tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9879204547916206822024-03-06T04:49:53.771+00:00Blog of a BookaholicKyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08208972644763001755noreply@blogger.comBlogger997125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987920454791620682.post-57875751281365600562022-05-01T18:49:00.008+01:002022-05-01T18:58:14.786+01:00April Wrap-Up and May TBR!<p> <img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTFxq93YioWqFrAD336Uv3tLCcHVqFtfLyltlgIdeTH-i4slAlwYhf5EVnifa9vDHfBlNEd38FWq8H4g3Zzaprfh6ESnccBzCY8cgtZK1wVgo8Kl6Ru1PSnGkezsTioVq7_c7XXZUNZMh/w675-h320/Monthly+Wrap-Up%2526TBR+Pile.png" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px; height: inherit; max-width: 100%; text-align: center;" width="675" /></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Um, excuse me, but how is it May already? We're almost halfway through 2022? I don't know why I'm still so surprised by this, as literally every month I'm like "Wow, a new month already?". Brain cannot compute. </span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMhgHPrgpkNo6NFV1BLQsJ2hRe9r6__aqKW2eLUNEPHwnFU9e_SUmFz4nH1fZPMYGtKh_JnxCo38QzhX7CxxRNAtmP0AQ-9y_eLUqATZgv9895r6FJlxUYEznserdg-XIwREt1mxSE7z5bo4tLNgYMKZXcjPAJiEXkoB4ncUCc2lysBuNkbWB9izIsw/s500/may%20gif.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="245" data-original-width="500" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMhgHPrgpkNo6NFV1BLQsJ2hRe9r6__aqKW2eLUNEPHwnFU9e_SUmFz4nH1fZPMYGtKh_JnxCo38QzhX7CxxRNAtmP0AQ-9y_eLUqATZgv9895r6FJlxUYEznserdg-XIwREt1mxSE7z5bo4tLNgYMKZXcjPAJiEXkoB4ncUCc2lysBuNkbWB9izIsw/s320/may%20gif.gif" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Anyway! April was a fantastic reading month for me. I literally haven't read this much in over a year. I recently went through my first break up, which wasn't fun, but I've had a lot more time on my hands and it looks like a lot of that time has been spent reading! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">In April I read a total of 11 books?? WHO AM I.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #ff0080; font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ff0080; font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b>The Books I Read:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54606924-the-confidence-solution">The Confidence Solution</a> - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54215442-rescue-me">Rescue Me</a> - ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53174679-instant-karma">Instant Karma</a> - ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17522283-storm-and-stone">Storm and Stone</a> - ⭐⭐⭐ | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user_challenges/31867367">Finn Family Moomintroll</a> - ⭐⭐⭐.5 | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9753888-comet-in-moominland">Comet in Moominland</a> - ⭐⭐⭐.5 | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37819094-13-things-mentally-strong-women-don-t-do">13 Things Mentally Strong Women Don't Do</a> - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43384592-spies-in-st-petersburg">Spies in St. Petersburg</a> - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51805796-villains-in-venice">Villains in Venice</a> - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20319514-out-of-tune">Out of Tune</a> - ⭐⭐⭐.5 | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48909025-a-far-wilder-magic">A Far Wilder Magic</a> - ⭐⭐⭐.5</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I loveddd Spies in St. Petersburg and Villains in Venice - they're honestly some of my new favourite books! They're fun, mysterious, and plot twisty - highly recommend! I also absolutely loved Rescue Me (you can find my review <a href="http://blogofabookaholic.blogspot.com/2022/04/book-review-rescue-me-by-sarra-manning.html">here</a>) and Instant Karma - they were SO ADORABLE. Storm and Stone and Out of Tune were good. I listened to them as audiobooks and they were fun, enjoyable reads. I didn't love them, but they did keep me entertained! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I read A Far Wilder Magic for a book club meeting I attended, and although I enjoyed most aspects of it, I didn't like the representation of religion in there which affected my enjoyment of the novel. You can read my review <a href="http://blogofabookaholic.blogspot.com/2022/04/mini-reviews-far-wilder-magic-out-of.html">here</a>! I also read the Moomintroll books were pretty cute. 💜</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZjXwo-e28jnugLNSCbjls6Sx9C8Kmi1OUOB9gX2GZdfNi6JEmOFoi_t60p71NGQvoQwbeuBeYvwKvI06MXd3hG3jmLnhxP25AwIf2x-6M3426dtHK55nGCIkCWoCOvp6PeoNce6I7XuGiGI2tYsyeZiY2mlnYRS4qocvy8eO7aQBMetxW0o-KQwo2A/s1170/70129222-BC66-49AC-9768-2B56F342268E_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1170" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZjXwo-e28jnugLNSCbjls6Sx9C8Kmi1OUOB9gX2GZdfNi6JEmOFoi_t60p71NGQvoQwbeuBeYvwKvI06MXd3hG3jmLnhxP25AwIf2x-6M3426dtHK55nGCIkCWoCOvp6PeoNce6I7XuGiGI2tYsyeZiY2mlnYRS4qocvy8eO7aQBMetxW0o-KQwo2A/w400-h306/70129222-BC66-49AC-9768-2B56F342268E_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AxYCxKaBg9eHpxCHsbN8b5bGJH9cNWVgWA7ULT9YqYSR_9wB62LhwJx9Yk1hJDQEPwaiag9ntPmS0-7HbF5Vay4DViknxJglf24AlnytRh2mfUq7y9fb4_8UdDfcxDMkg1ZPoXsC-lgEVs84Q730ji8sN1O4LlyAbKCVuKvCvcYhX6I4q2UJtnB5Wg/s1170/68496A70-7C2C-48D2-A6E4-489A22AD064F_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="1170" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AxYCxKaBg9eHpxCHsbN8b5bGJH9cNWVgWA7ULT9YqYSR_9wB62LhwJx9Yk1hJDQEPwaiag9ntPmS0-7HbF5Vay4DViknxJglf24AlnytRh2mfUq7y9fb4_8UdDfcxDMkg1ZPoXsC-lgEVs84Q730ji8sN1O4LlyAbKCVuKvCvcYhX6I4q2UJtnB5Wg/w400-h328/68496A70-7C2C-48D2-A6E4-489A22AD064F_1_201_a.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaFG5CkPkm9zLYERMJueozo4UliXv-86clrFHK6A4bQIii05nkqzA35-RWSAaD7DCRn1MO0fn8TtCxhF_yqfPWfiEFaPH1PPbIoWdpgS4_lp_Sw5LcNXQ2JVq1DqPOBFAlVZMh54A5e6JnHJc6wyf0o2wHRutN9F5XrhZ5RNdrc95gNcd6OPgWrM7Jg/s901/29D2E1B6-1620-4E62-B6C8-C9C54901531A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="901" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaFG5CkPkm9zLYERMJueozo4UliXv-86clrFHK6A4bQIii05nkqzA35-RWSAaD7DCRn1MO0fn8TtCxhF_yqfPWfiEFaPH1PPbIoWdpgS4_lp_Sw5LcNXQ2JVq1DqPOBFAlVZMh54A5e6JnHJc6wyf0o2wHRutN9F5XrhZ5RNdrc95gNcd6OPgWrM7Jg/w400-h308/29D2E1B6-1620-4E62-B6C8-C9C54901531A.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="color: #ff0080; font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;"><b>The Books I Hope to Read:</b></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EnKgHVTVexS9EBiekqrOYJNMIhzo3nLrausinV8Xb8ruIpjgiqaR4inKoiX8Jq5qiJhVuZizCQHTpf8r4o81HnpuYOqYLfEfZv0jx1RZQ_NJ73EnKH6BxAvHtz-C-GMFAKWU2kMDFJ7ct2RIJH8cp1hHB06AN1iXBBwinBzEyiYvqlNxpaCd6AQwow/s2080/184B0D86-6680-46C9-8779-6D85AA9408C5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="2080" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5EnKgHVTVexS9EBiekqrOYJNMIhzo3nLrausinV8Xb8ruIpjgiqaR4inKoiX8Jq5qiJhVuZizCQHTpf8r4o81HnpuYOqYLfEfZv0jx1RZQ_NJ73EnKH6BxAvHtz-C-GMFAKWU2kMDFJ7ct2RIJH8cp1hHB06AN1iXBBwinBzEyiYvqlNxpaCd6AQwow/w400-h225/184B0D86-6680-46C9-8779-6D85AA9408C5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="height: 0px; padding-bottom: 335.156px; position: relative; text-align: justify; width: 684px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">So many good books I want to get to! I'm on a bit of rom-com kick at the moment. I have some books from Emery Lord, Jennifer E. Smith, Nicola Yoon...it's going to be good. I also have a few fantasy books I want to get to – specifically Only a Monster and This Woven Kingdom. 😍 That being said, it is exam season in May so I'll be lucky to finish two books! Guess we'll have to see. 😋</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>What books did you read in April? Which book are you most excited to read in May? 💖</b></span></div></div></div>Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08208972644763001755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987920454791620682.post-59990241984150942472022-04-26T00:00:00.001+01:002022-04-26T00:00:00.173+01:00Mini Reviews! A Far Wilder Magic, Out of Tune, and Villains in Venice <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWL6XvQ-yppqpJYwKf634ysSxZBQ9OhaHPPopXvpJiUaa_Cvy1TZYHEwvHRXfDN5nyf9RhxOQrCM1c4DXeCIHjOQrglyGIa72_Xc7tb5_B9rIgQWF2fFnBbxi8yvRDfbAgfdthqStPylLIcLtfTdujnK5CI2s_8eJ6m4FdKqyo5EaUatVkClqXhO004Q/s940/Mini%20Reviews.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWL6XvQ-yppqpJYwKf634ysSxZBQ9OhaHPPopXvpJiUaa_Cvy1TZYHEwvHRXfDN5nyf9RhxOQrCM1c4DXeCIHjOQrglyGIa72_Xc7tb5_B9rIgQWF2fFnBbxi8yvRDfbAgfdthqStPylLIcLtfTdujnK5CI2s_8eJ6m4FdKqyo5EaUatVkClqXhO004Q/w320-h268/Mini%20Reviews.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f65373; font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-size: x-small;"></span></span><blockquote><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; text-align: left;">When Margaret Welty spots the legendary hala, the last living mythical creature, she knows the Halfmoon Hunt will soon follow. Whoever is able to kill the hala will earn fame and riches, and unlock an ancient magical secret. If Margaret wins the hunt, it may finally bring her mother home. While Margaret is the best sharpshooter in town, only teams of two can register, and she needs an alchemist.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; text-align: left;">Weston Winters isn’t an alchemist--yet. Fired from every apprenticeship he's landed, his last chance hinges on Master Welty taking him in. But when Wes arrives at Welty Manor, he finds only Margaret and her bloodhound Trouble. Margaret begrudgingly allows him to stay, but on one condition: he must join the hunt with her.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; text-align: left;">Although they make an unlikely team, Wes is in awe of the girl who has endured alone on the outskirts of a town that doesn’t want her, in this creaking house of ghosts and sorrow. And even though Wes disrupts every aspect of her life, Margaret is drawn to him. He, too, knows what it's like to be an outsider. As the hunt looms closer and tensions rise, Margaret and Wes uncover dark magic that could be the key to winning the hunt - if they survive that long.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; text-align: left;">In </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #181818; text-align: left;">A Far Wilder Magic</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; text-align: left;">, Allison Saft has written an achingly tender love story set against a deadly hunt in an atmospheric, rich fantasy world that will sweep you away.</span></span></blockquote></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48909025-a-far-wilder-magic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="45" data-original-width="134" height="45" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLUA2T9ZUlaXkpuns50mnYfQTkJUrjrNnifilFyNASxE3Guk-RRkUTqXLXxIci4YuttYjMBtdqun-WiHH5-IvADzYfcRJobDd4ZJAg0SuuePFibsX4pkqIrp1Jn0jddaeJO-WLiEEUe-mAz2ARv0JQ4MYWM3E3wlDmBocNwd5pJEoYWj1VOWeFV4O58g/s1600/add-to-goodreads-button.png" width="134" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I was really intrigued by this book; it sounded like an original fantasy with an unlikely romance set against a gothic town. I hadn't read many reviews before going into this book, and I'm glad I didn't. In the age of booktube and booktok, it's difficult to go into books without some knowledge beforehand - so I'm glad I managed to avoid forming an opinion before going into this.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYH4KW5lcjOu9BuG5VaBtXYV9rnjg-r_9JjWbtdgm1D6-6nKu4Ht63hrSuocF2FBEozMhmfuXWJeHzkfiWRjsA7T-q9WbmbG7vMVScPZEZFzgmh5thJgX301jzuBvf-kk1W17ja7MTjnZpP-yDRfA55wDRz57uLzd2UbzDnS-k__eoUot9irijp9hrQ/s2020/72518E4A-1808-4EA1-833A-4AE4A11F213D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="2020" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipYH4KW5lcjOu9BuG5VaBtXYV9rnjg-r_9JjWbtdgm1D6-6nKu4Ht63hrSuocF2FBEozMhmfuXWJeHzkfiWRjsA7T-q9WbmbG7vMVScPZEZFzgmh5thJgX301jzuBvf-kk1W17ja7MTjnZpP-yDRfA55wDRz57uLzd2UbzDnS-k__eoUot9irijp9hrQ/w640-h370/72518E4A-1808-4EA1-833A-4AE4A11F213D.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">What I Loved</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>👩👨🐶 - I loved the characters so, so much. Books with well-written, complex characters are my<i> jam</i>. I loved Margaret so much and she needs to be protected at all costs! She's selfless, kind, determined, brave, and resilient. The parental neglect she experienced and the hatred from her community broke my heart. I loved how Wes saw her for who she was and didn't allow prejudice to taint knowing her and loving her. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><blockquote><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">“Girls like her don’t get to dream. Girls like her get to survive. Most days, that’s enough. Today, she doesn’t think it is.”</span></blockquote></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Wes is such a brilliantly written character. He's broken and grieving and hides behind a facade of charm, debonair, and idealistic optimism. His determination and perseverance, his love for his family, and strong belief in justice made me absolutely love him. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b></b></span></div><blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">“If he can’t grieve his father or his impossible dreams without hurting his family or himself, what other choice does he have but to keep things light? To dazzle people so they can’t look for the cracks? He’s survived this long by letting everyone believe he’s selfish and shallow. It’s better that way. No one knows how to hurt you if you always play the fool.”</span></span></div></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Both characters were flawed and broken and brilliant and wonderful - I loved them so much. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>I also loved Wes' family. It showed family dynamics in all its beauty and its gritty reality: misunderstandings and arguments with a strong, steady thrum of love, acceptance, and forgiveness as an undercurrent. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Margaret's mom was a complex character...I hated how she left Margaret alone for so long and abandoned her. However, the author did an excellent job of representing her character as one that was awfully flawed as a result of her grief, obsession, and ambition.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>👫 - THE ROMANCE WAS SO CUTE. 😻 Margaret and Wes are complete opposites in a lot of ways and are the embodiment of the grumpy & sunshine trope. Margaret tries to be invisible and doesn't dare to allow herself to dream to protect her from further hurt; Wes is enigmatic and charming and works hard to make his dreams a reality. However, they are unified in the way they are shunned by others and the hurt and grief they try to keep contained within them. They just complimented each other SO well, and I adored how they taught each other to love, and trust, and dream. SO GOOD. SO, SO GOOD. The sweetest slow-burn I've read in a long while! </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>✍ - THE WRITING!!! Ah, Allison Saft can <i>write</i>, guys. I had a copy of this book out from the library, but had I had my own copy, it would've been filled with sticky notes. Her writing is so immersive and almost every line seems etched in poetry. It's enchanting, haunting, and atmospheric; you can completely lose yourself in it.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>🏠 - The setting was also intricately written. A crumbling manor house set in a gothic town by the ocean? YES. I read somewhere that this book is almost dedication to the autumn season, and I have to agree. It perfectly captures the mysterious, delectably gloomy nature of autumn and I was HERE for it. </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>If you love books that are focussed on character development and the building of a breathtaking romance, you'll love this! </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiMl-I2bYsWDxjFfttI9utlKvOjp1EId2vm5dsXhLDHW34bsUWq6NIHCQEkBYoPqRK7SjH9z9HhMRvMdUX3OL0iTl6dC-anRdQwNVi52hj8lXBg9kRgUb60nYV6Da6hlzoNrxiXCsRdsfsP9G_a2xp3av1OGsBkH8YB7zcYuxFA5KR10Z7KP7pKFVRg/s1252/D396DCC3-5E07-42E0-AE14-98B99C2A49E4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="1170" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGiMl-I2bYsWDxjFfttI9utlKvOjp1EId2vm5dsXhLDHW34bsUWq6NIHCQEkBYoPqRK7SjH9z9HhMRvMdUX3OL0iTl6dC-anRdQwNVi52hj8lXBg9kRgUb60nYV6Da6hlzoNrxiXCsRdsfsP9G_a2xp3av1OGsBkH8YB7zcYuxFA5KR10Z7KP7pKFVRg/w374-h400/D396DCC3-5E07-42E0-AE14-98B99C2A49E4.jpg" width="374" /></a></div><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">What I Didn't Love</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>🗺 - The world-building. I didn't like the world-building much, as it felt like a conglomeration of quite a few different things. This book was clearly not set in this world, but then again it had a lot of things that made it seem like it was. Then it had a 1920s vibe but also some modern aspects. There just wasn't a distinct uniqueness about the world and it threw me off at times.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>🙏 - I didn't realise how heavily religion and politics would feature in this book. I don't usually mind politics in a fantasy setting, and if a religion is created by the author for a whole new fantasy world, I get that. However, that wasn't really the case with A Far Wilder Magic. There are three different religions mentioned in this book: Yu'adir, Sumic, and Katharism. These religions are <i>clearly</i> Juda</b></span><b style="font-family: Montserrat;">ism, Catholicism, and Protestantism. The god in this book was called God and there were so many elements I recognised from Christianity/Catholicism that the author distorted. It was somewhat heretical and I didn't appreciate the way it was represented. I understand this is a fantasy novel, but I didn't appreciate how the author used the name of God and just twisted a lot of the elements from the different religions. It was insensitive and also somewhat indolent - if you're going to create a fantasy book, then go all the way and make it completely unique in its world-building.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Montserrat;">If you're not a fan of religion in books, I would give this a skip because it does rely heavily on that. Also, the religions aren't explained in the beginning which makes it quite confusing, but after awhile I read between the lines and it became obvious who they represented. It made me uncomfortable and did taint my reading experience, sad to say. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Montserrat;">To conclude, this book was haunting and evocative and lyrical. I absolutely loved the characters and felt like I knew them almost completely by the end of the book. The romance was so sweet and written so incredibly well - I was rooting for Margaret and Wes the whole way through. 💜 That being said, the heavy focus on religion and the distortion of real-world religions didn't sit right with me.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Montserrat;">I give it: 3.5/5 cupcakes!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyp5Pb_Mw5epL9yUqQqZ2-ymtINgp2st5nOcvJrXB1Ifij8y5spelhNsqW7c2d6BL1Gxhgnon0v8UhbmRlzxpXFlE118sWEwoexQLViDHu2ppWZFhF2J9jfIK7p8bXZNh8NSUg0CVOGx80JB7e6SiEEDSL0l1aHg2SgsFUNbRFTq-g186nGXjEzloExg/s570/3.5%20cupcakes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="570" height="81" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyp5Pb_Mw5epL9yUqQqZ2-ymtINgp2st5nOcvJrXB1Ifij8y5spelhNsqW7c2d6BL1Gxhgnon0v8UhbmRlzxpXFlE118sWEwoexQLViDHu2ppWZFhF2J9jfIK7p8bXZNh8NSUg0CVOGx80JB7e6SiEEDSL0l1aHg2SgsFUNbRFTq-g186nGXjEzloExg/w200-h81/3.5%20cupcakes.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Trigger Warnings:</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Child neglect, animal death (hunting), antisemitism </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Content:</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Occasional swearing, God's name taken in vain, brief/non-descriptive s*x scene</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Representation:</span></b></div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Dyslexic main character, panic attacks/PTSD (not descriptive), two gay side characters</b></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Montserrat;">***</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f65373; font-family: "Dancing Script"; font-size: xx-large;">Villains in Venice by Katherine Woodfine</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5xkAqVmMXnfBWS6nbTX7oRTUlwXNHqDLjpgvlR-eZ9rHEyzG0cVH2N1Fa9SE1DlmFkR2f_4eYw5antAgadxQ3RDkn0cDTkpmoys3D-nOHI3JfxBPlwyC3VijXNLBxsw-gqTpITzPLjUBpr_QqOFId5wFD_jaXb-hUhqnYMFpRmO0bouhL64U6RC2nw/s1170/IMG_7171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1129" data-original-width="1170" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5xkAqVmMXnfBWS6nbTX7oRTUlwXNHqDLjpgvlR-eZ9rHEyzG0cVH2N1Fa9SE1DlmFkR2f_4eYw5antAgadxQ3RDkn0cDTkpmoys3D-nOHI3JfxBPlwyC3VijXNLBxsw-gqTpITzPLjUBpr_QqOFId5wFD_jaXb-hUhqnYMFpRmO0bouhL64U6RC2nw/w640-h618/IMG_7171.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"></span><blockquote><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Get set for another incredible adventure with secret agents extraordinaire, Miss Sophie Taylor and Miss Lillian Rose!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">After the dramatic events of their mission to St Petersburg, Sophie and Lil know the truth - there's a double-agent at work at the Secret Service Bureau. Whilst Lil pursues a dangerous line of enquiry in London, Sophie must set out on a new mission to Venice, following a twisted trail to discover long-buried secrets. But there are villains lurking amongst the city's piazzas, canals and crumbling palaces, and in the shadows an old enemy lies in wait...</span></blockquote><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>THIS SERIES. <i>THIS SERIES</i>. I am obsessed with it and loved it. A lot. It's a spin-off series of the Sinclair's Mysteries books, and it's so good. It may even be, dare I say it, better than the original series. I won't go into detail as it's the third book in the series but I loved EVERYTHING, with everything including:</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Montserrat;">👩👨 - The characters!!! (Are you sensing a theme here?) I loveee Lil, Rose, Jack, Leo, Mei, Billy, Tilly, and Joe SO much. Even though there's a somewhat large cast of characters, they all have their own distinct personalities. Sophie and Lil are so determined, so fiercely brave and loyal, smart, and kind...I'm pretty sure they'll be the female heroines the next generation of girls aspire to emulate. They're such wonderfully written characters and I love them so, so much. It was also interesting (but heartbreaking!!) seeing the change in Lil and Sophie after what happened in the last book. Although they still have some innocence about them, they carry scars and wounds that aren't seen in the previous books. This extra layer of complexity added more depth to the story.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Montserrat;">👭 - I absolutely love the friendship between Lil and Rose! They risk everything for each other and are so fiercely loyal to one another. I love the emphasis on friendship in these books - it's so heartwarming! </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Montserrat;">✍ - The plot!!! Honestly, these books are so fast-paced. If you're looking for something to read in one sitting, you need to look no further than this book. ALSO, don't read this book before bed. They say reading relaxes you but this book had so many twists and turns, with danger and intrigue on almost every page, that I couldn't put it down. And when I did, I was thinking so much about the characters it took me awhile to nod off. It's so exhilarating!</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>🇮🇹 - The setting! I've always wanted to go to Italy, but this makes me want to go even MORE. The descriptions of the buildings, art, and food made the reading experience tangible. So good.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>If you love mystery, adventure, friendship, and admirable protagonists you'll love this! </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>I give it: </b>5/5 cupcakes</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvaEfYeeGYYJuGRQBNYIHzaQhzkghJN5hcEG8cNMHpWcizMp7HWtFchP6e1MGmNf6z_GksNgXnVqA8Nevl3sa7PxpYFWU3WRoJdwjumAvnN-WbIVXT_q3vmeO6usfEgwd2n0jPoQbPnEPFASwYv9Xtc2l-ZQNxDSWxFDLWqJYyDN9ulr8zhSFgXMoK_w/s829/5%20cupcakes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="829" height="89" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvaEfYeeGYYJuGRQBNYIHzaQhzkghJN5hcEG8cNMHpWcizMp7HWtFchP6e1MGmNf6z_GksNgXnVqA8Nevl3sa7PxpYFWU3WRoJdwjumAvnN-WbIVXT_q3vmeO6usfEgwd2n0jPoQbPnEPFASwYv9Xtc2l-ZQNxDSWxFDLWqJYyDN9ulr8zhSFgXMoK_w/s320/5%20cupcakes.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Trigger Warnings:</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Murder, poisoning </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Content:</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Clean! Big fan, big fan.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Representation:</span></b></div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>If I recall correctly, Mei is Asian and I think Tilly has African heritage.</b></span></div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">*** </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5j8MCr1KY9Y3nZWoRRjk7TDGvePPM6WJdoRqyNTZe5DzESefhxK03CElJC9l9Yz5n0a4pVl0aL-OZQ6xBzFgPE-qRtOA2WTrd9gYDb8rKnwop_8dYpQ-fXYUoYlPdNg_TvoJjXHebOy0aVVkem3GDm3riJltkJZAfe0RXYYuSbXz8JDwkqLpXGeQoJA/s1170/Untitled%20design.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1170" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5j8MCr1KY9Y3nZWoRRjk7TDGvePPM6WJdoRqyNTZe5DzESefhxK03CElJC9l9Yz5n0a4pVl0aL-OZQ6xBzFgPE-qRtOA2WTrd9gYDb8rKnwop_8dYpQ-fXYUoYlPdNg_TvoJjXHebOy0aVVkem3GDm3riJltkJZAfe0RXYYuSbXz8JDwkqLpXGeQoJA/w640-h490/Untitled%20design.png" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Montserrat; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; text-align: left;"></span><blockquote><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; text-align: left;">Ashley Bennett is a straight-A student in her junior year of high school, and life is looking good: she's got a boyfriend whom she loves, a group of friends who love to party... But really, Ashley loves to curl up at home with a good book, and she can't wait to go to college. When junior year starts, the life Ashley's settled into is turned upside down - the empty house next door has finally been sold, and moving in is Todd O'Connor...</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; text-align: left;">When Ashley first meets Todd, he seems aloof and cocky, and she's reluctant to share a ride to school with him as her mom tells her to. As the two get to know each other, though, Ashley comes to realise that the mysterious, brooding Todd O'Connor, who all the girls are swooning over, is actually bookish and shy, and a little bit lonely. His dad passed away a few years ago, leaving him in the care of his uncle, and since then Todd has mostly kept to himself, his books, and his guitar.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; text-align: left;">And as Todd gets to know Ashley, he forces her to realise that her relationship with her boyfriend, Josh, isn't really making her happy - Josh is selfish, arrogant, and domineering. Will Ashley find the courage to forge her own path?</span></blockquote><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; text-align: left;"></span></span><b><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">What I Loved</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I actually listened to this as an audiobook, which was a really good reading experience. I didn't absolutely love this book, but it was fun and engaging and made for a good time! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">👩👨 - I loved Todd. He's an actual cinnamon roll of human. He's introverted, loves reading, and writes songs (where can I find one??). He's sensitive and shy but has a quiet strength about him which I loved! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I didn't particularly like Ashley initially. On the exterior, she seemed like a stereotypical popular girl who is a slightly stuck-up and quite shallow, but as I got to know her, it became apparent this was a facade to fit in with her boyfriend and his crowd of friends. I got quite annoyed initially that she didn't own who she was but kept trying to be what other people wanted to be; however, I recognise that as a teenager you go through being overly self-conscious of what others think of you and trying to be like everyone else. Ashley did stand up for certain beliefs about things (e.g. not having s*x with her boyfriend, not smoking etc) which I loved to see! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">💕 - The romance was sweet! I loved how Todd and Ashley developed a really firm friendship first before it became something more. I am a fan of a well-written slow-burn, and it was done well. It was subtle and felt very natural! It was adorable how they were there for each other and encouraged one another. Very sweet! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">👪 - I liked how close Ashley was with her parents! It was really sweet how she shared so much with her mom and was close to her family. Todd also seemed to have a really good relationship with his dad. I love good family dynamics in books!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">What I Didn't Love</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">There wasn't anything I particularly disliked about this book! Ashley frustrated me in the beginning but she grew a lot and became more confident and secure in herself. We love to see it.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I give it: 3.5/5 cupcakes!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyp5Pb_Mw5epL9yUqQqZ2-ymtINgp2st5nOcvJrXB1Ifij8y5spelhNsqW7c2d6BL1Gxhgnon0v8UhbmRlzxpXFlE118sWEwoexQLViDHu2ppWZFhF2J9jfIK7p8bXZNh8NSUg0CVOGx80JB7e6SiEEDSL0l1aHg2SgsFUNbRFTq-g186nGXjEzloExg/s570/3.5%20cupcakes.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="570" height="81" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyp5Pb_Mw5epL9yUqQqZ2-ymtINgp2st5nOcvJrXB1Ifij8y5spelhNsqW7c2d6BL1Gxhgnon0v8UhbmRlzxpXFlE118sWEwoexQLViDHu2ppWZFhF2J9jfIK7p8bXZNh8NSUg0CVOGx80JB7e6SiEEDSL0l1aHg2SgsFUNbRFTq-g186nGXjEzloExg/w200-h81/3.5%20cupcakes.png" width="200" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Trigger Warnings:</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Divorce, grief (not deeply explored)</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-family: Dancing Script; font-size: x-large;">Content:</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Mentions of kissing (non-descriptive), peer pressure for the MC to sleep with her boyfriend (she doesn't), underage drinking, mention of smoking (MC doesn't agree nor participate in it)</b></span></div></div><p></p>Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08208972644763001755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987920454791620682.post-8645747422180500492022-04-24T20:42:00.002+01:002022-04-24T20:42:15.422+01:00#CurrentlyReading - Last week of Easter break reads!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeF69y8dwKw1UeZAp7UglcRtv1LwIrzs3jUCRBBBpRVivkgLjf0s2MgA46pIEGO7A6pqmeCFm0Ck7hodP3mtZYw-oDB2-QBVa-0QN94Bvnlhdk2p5-q_dBqUduD1m8hfpzpcnQ5TS5iik9VREoKRBwhko-OsaxI4tjuGGe26BMZHszfUvfGsXlQQwVSw" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #f59b82; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; outline: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;"><img alt="" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="1240" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeF69y8dwKw1UeZAp7UglcRtv1LwIrzs3jUCRBBBpRVivkgLjf0s2MgA46pIEGO7A6pqmeCFm0Ck7hodP3mtZYw-oDB2-QBVa-0QN94Bvnlhdk2p5-q_dBqUduD1m8hfpzpcnQ5TS5iik9VREoKRBwhko-OsaxI4tjuGGe26BMZHszfUvfGsXlQQwVSw=w624-h351" style="border: 0px; height: inherit; max-width: 100%;" width="624" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Hello!!!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I hope you guys are doing well. My Easter break is over tomorrow, but I've managed to complete all my deadlines and make some time for fun activities too - yay! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I've also managed to read so much this month?? I'm on my 12th book?? WHO AM I. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimk5LYB4tJpl12s3LOwYTHrNDNtk1XsJ9TcOYT5rU1ntL-xJZ5EES4W0SSd8eBXCBnyfRtMglmKIP6Dxk_OMUZpp-dImgYd_VLIXbt5-tmGx0fxmxc2fBgFI5Uwfe9HTexuYJJuFJU97r0/s1600/What+i+read.PNG" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #f59b82; display: inline-block; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; outline: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimk5LYB4tJpl12s3LOwYTHrNDNtk1XsJ9TcOYT5rU1ntL-xJZ5EES4W0SSd8eBXCBnyfRtMglmKIP6Dxk_OMUZpp-dImgYd_VLIXbt5-tmGx0fxmxc2fBgFI5Uwfe9HTexuYJJuFJU97r0/s16000/What+i+read.PNG" style="border: 0px; height: inherit; max-width: 100%;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWaspruuCRX-PVw2_gtpkFCwwuu_LbQlwMKCb836ADJ-IQrUWeoP8UMcVLgLX43l4uecz2WbmcJa-Xpk__NsYCsZm9w3XzdE3WZLPze-Cu6sylhMGRWC7UDS7BaVNA_7VsiIQ2wv2q7VccBKp3WQvNl948V1Tlo8ntn1_N4SDED_MUsJr5XyWTi8fJxg/s1170/IMG_7171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1129" data-original-width="1170" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWaspruuCRX-PVw2_gtpkFCwwuu_LbQlwMKCb836ADJ-IQrUWeoP8UMcVLgLX43l4uecz2WbmcJa-Xpk__NsYCsZm9w3XzdE3WZLPze-Cu6sylhMGRWC7UDS7BaVNA_7VsiIQ2wv2q7VccBKp3WQvNl948V1Tlo8ntn1_N4SDED_MUsJr5XyWTi8fJxg/w640-h618/IMG_7171.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhhZUml2b1wgBlMhKYPLcZQfNNWjdvMXiWKVhKoW5u8hfKDJgFLZtF5DDFhy9pGumEXNSqfxZWXk-thMu_Hnq6r7AP8B03A-_1HBuxy1w2kXB31UIYerplVG8I8PecypKgvbT9r-LlqgmUjLGKKNLH1r3q8TisdRJHhri0KqrFMS5asgNkdBWF5WXWg/s1170/IMG_7190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="1170" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhhZUml2b1wgBlMhKYPLcZQfNNWjdvMXiWKVhKoW5u8hfKDJgFLZtF5DDFhy9pGumEXNSqfxZWXk-thMu_Hnq6r7AP8B03A-_1HBuxy1w2kXB31UIYerplVG8I8PecypKgvbT9r-LlqgmUjLGKKNLH1r3q8TisdRJHhri0KqrFMS5asgNkdBWF5WXWg/w640-h524/IMG_7190.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPADQYOwwUu1CDwOTMp0XEoEaOyIwdhk-Qf06oc7qufu242AN_hNtd7oKGDIQbHiWtEloOMlgI_6j8ba2iqjI-piOugRlcpOU8dVypEa2zBMdejUeynaRloesu0iMgcW88Eqa6i9t-5u_s9jnZ5_lXdW0wrI0QKKlmWL4P8iJJ6RXAo_4CZN4deCdDOA/s1170/Untitled%20design.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1170" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPADQYOwwUu1CDwOTMp0XEoEaOyIwdhk-Qf06oc7qufu242AN_hNtd7oKGDIQbHiWtEloOMlgI_6j8ba2iqjI-piOugRlcpOU8dVypEa2zBMdejUeynaRloesu0iMgcW88Eqa6i9t-5u_s9jnZ5_lXdW0wrI0QKKlmWL4P8iJJ6RXAo_4CZN4deCdDOA/w640-h490/Untitled%20design.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I've read some pretty good books this week! Out of Tune was a cute, fluffy read. A Far Wilder Magic was beautifully written with wonderful characters, but I felt it pretty quite religiously insensitive which tainted the reading experience for me. Villains in Venice was so, so good - highly recommend!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><img border="0" data-original-height="61" data-original-width="320" height="61" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLsPNRuPW3FqpJJUZGp_yAPi7R0kd3BgHtWgoAz6hi09kmZZbTjJTJmeMgBxMaHc1P7oqG2b3DP4cjpEa442hwZuT7rCGkHvl03zAA3cYk0EZRC0S3H4ntmOec76P9vtb9t5UnYbejNNKFFs6KXU1_cchszhhrqcQwct2GHZ6EPbxHRMT5LhDPi5C2A/s1600/what%20im%20reading.png" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #f59b82; font-size: 16px; height: inherit; max-width: 100%;" width="320" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I'll be reading the final book in the Taylor & Rose series - Nightfall in New York! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="51" data-original-width="200" height="51" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslAUSaUJs05XLUglWcCyUcOYMCpsyOc05nEBuivutiUHp0kLvYpczHFCDmt4pFOpcxY6PxD_jKop3zl2GjZNAvwO2_kIKi2Jh7vkK5avOD2XCCrNQKIQuqHBDrjwtO137yKsgHqqU-HwA_99QoDAXh40zFo6TTLGpC_KjlhV8d-WIJljKCdTyojFinA/s1600/what%20next.png" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px; height: inherit; max-width: 100%;" width="200" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">After that I'll probably read Open Road Summer by Emery Lord - sounds super cute!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjky0yLCwMUX6tn-nWOqPH-8yzDGs7w4o_U31N9QvzB6h1OA69WNmktcOPR0N1DzqcFNFSs909RtiVUW7DhEDqs5cjNBrefLIIE1JNd2sJ7IenI0VxmfrwYBiMlxBM_HErSnXKk3reTBQbsNPwzk2tukzhe19dG7mRw3PKnYCxhXqBDspEBcWXl_gJeLg/s4032/E1231FC1-F432-45F2-8FF4-738B0073E2FD.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjky0yLCwMUX6tn-nWOqPH-8yzDGs7w4o_U31N9QvzB6h1OA69WNmktcOPR0N1DzqcFNFSs909RtiVUW7DhEDqs5cjNBrefLIIE1JNd2sJ7IenI0VxmfrwYBiMlxBM_HErSnXKk3reTBQbsNPwzk2tukzhe19dG7mRw3PKnYCxhXqBDspEBcWXl_gJeLg/w480-h640/E1231FC1-F432-45F2-8FF4-738B0073E2FD.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">What are you currently reading? What books have you read this week? Let's talk!</span></div><br /><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><p> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;"> </span></p>Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08208972644763001755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987920454791620682.post-76773615182068720392022-04-07T21:37:00.003+01:002022-04-07T21:40:05.656+01:00BOOK REVIEW! Rescue Me by Sarra Manning<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9q7dTz9s_JHt0J5aowFD3cH0_cvZVLeqXBbJFNN-GWbwFO_dfgUR2dDrnFo51ATLI_otv2OlM0MGJT-2HF-19-SPY5dBKQWhhw1ImfLDsdoD3X6LeONmOU624uXmSCorEXBRQqn1BhkPtBun3bEQ_w91QkvYwyUbnUpdg6Kn0oFPCqf50pbnCL0-eVQ/s1640/Book%20Review!%20Rescue%20Me%20by%20Sarra%20Manning.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9q7dTz9s_JHt0J5aowFD3cH0_cvZVLeqXBbJFNN-GWbwFO_dfgUR2dDrnFo51ATLI_otv2OlM0MGJT-2HF-19-SPY5dBKQWhhw1ImfLDsdoD3X6LeONmOU624uXmSCorEXBRQqn1BhkPtBun3bEQ_w91QkvYwyUbnUpdg6Kn0oFPCqf50pbnCL0-eVQ/w640-h360/Book%20Review!%20Rescue%20Me%20by%20Sarra%20Manning.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Title: Rescue Me</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Author: Sarra Manning</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Series: N/A</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Pages: 400 pages, hardcover</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Source: Library</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Rating: 4.5/5 cupcakes!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"></span><blockquote><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Margot and Will cross paths at the local dog rescue centre where – after a series of misunderstandings and a lot of consternation – they agree to foster Blossom (a staffy with a giant head, soft, floppy ears and kohl-rimmed brown eyes) together: one week on, one week off.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Margot and Will don’t get off to the best of starts: he thinks Margot is demanding and needy and Just So Much. And she thinks Will is emotionally unavailable, slightly brittle and very mistrustful. They’re both right.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">But the more they bicker, the worse Blossom behaves, and they realise they have to form some sort of truce in order to dog-parent (or “pawrent” as Margot calls it, to which Will rolls his eyes) her together. It’s almost as if Blossom has plans of her own…</span></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54215442-rescue-me?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=sEkktkfgDj&rank=1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="45" data-original-width="134" height="45" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdCAX_pqtOAAHs2d3EmRilvN5oSInNUcArRsIYoSnP2RqYtmH1I252K3uzSEIX205Qde-E_rKw1BCzm9Lva8xZDa8i77Z4Ik1JwXos6IuQPYvER6Y4fGs-NaKiWNQeh1_hv-OyW2_PaPDl4BtRzr4w85kj689XFsxnQ5MChANGHsnBaDoIa-F-3kCzQ/s1600/add-to-goodreads-button.png" width="134" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This book wasn't on my radar until I saw it at my library, but I'm SO glad I decided to pick it up. It was so heartwarming, and I highly recommend! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvSE-59V_l6HZ8WfjC7_Kzh_K8Z1XhZe443QRgeVYPnskLt92BRYmFPwS5rf5oaKaLJZFC38XYI_BqRSwLOU7MbDhu4cK1Co3w5xwXf-M3au004s1T5ieyzpzQIGYw4x5wxdPb3_Shq9AVzkmCYco6vZFYwRKMGUgp7YW4tOJlnRVVjS816ospPc_lQ/s390/what%20i%20loved.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="94" data-original-width="390" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvSE-59V_l6HZ8WfjC7_Kzh_K8Z1XhZe443QRgeVYPnskLt92BRYmFPwS5rf5oaKaLJZFC38XYI_BqRSwLOU7MbDhu4cK1Co3w5xwXf-M3au004s1T5ieyzpzQIGYw4x5wxdPb3_Shq9AVzkmCYco6vZFYwRKMGUgp7YW4tOJlnRVVjS816ospPc_lQ/s320/what%20i%20loved.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Um, <i>everything.</i></div><br /></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioIgkeOnBVlrmoKz-iAduH5dZ9fZnINDvI0_AcWb1F6vjwzMMnxKP1d5rPAzw1tJkwiospZwQDmkN87Uwo59C_OepRuqx4dZwu3UzqzJDz_np6HtlaeXYm8pO91C0Ce_BwgV_Uahuea6YHxC7naoxscBm_KYH4KlqEYiQQ8rWLzdu9ohAT3jUIdAigUQ/s442/the%20characters.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="88" data-original-width="442" height="64" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioIgkeOnBVlrmoKz-iAduH5dZ9fZnINDvI0_AcWb1F6vjwzMMnxKP1d5rPAzw1tJkwiospZwQDmkN87Uwo59C_OepRuqx4dZwu3UzqzJDz_np6HtlaeXYm8pO91C0Ce_BwgV_Uahuea6YHxC7naoxscBm_KYH4KlqEYiQQ8rWLzdu9ohAT3jUIdAigUQ/s320/the%20characters.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The characters are so, so wonderful. We have Margot, a plus-sized 36 year old who works in the fashion industry. Having just broken up with her boyfriend who was unable to commit to a future with her, she is highly aware of her biological clock ticking, and it's beginning to wear her down. Her friends are all getting married, having children, and moving away, leaving Margot feeling stuck and unlovable. She decides to adopt a dog, as she knows they will offer her the unconditional love and acceptance she hasn't been able to find. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then there is Will. He is closed off and emotionally distant. After years furthering his career in various cities around the world, he returns back to London to help with his family's florist business. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Will and Margo couldn't be more different. I guess it's the grumpy x sunshine trope? I was SO there for it. Margo was peppy and talkative and positive; I loved her so much! Her desire for a family was so palpable, and I felt like the author captured her fear and urgency incredibly well. Given Margot's history, her desire to have a family was so understandable and had me crossing my fingers that she would be able to cultivate the life she dreamed of.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And Will! I loved him so much. He cared so much for his family (putting money in a trust fund so his little sister could go to university? So sweet!), and despite his aloof exterior, his care, compassion, and understanding made me fall in love with him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I loved how the author wove Margot and Will's backstories subtly throughout the story, revealing layer by layer as to what had shaped Margot and Will into the people they were. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Also Blossom!!! She was a rescue Staffie that absolutely stole my heart. Seeing how the love and care Will and Margot showered her with transformed her into a secure, happy pupper made my heart so happy! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The characters were written wonderfully. *chef's kiss*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyiY3-QHnagstZnjZ5RDEdCnz4J_FSswy_0LfylPDoSvWcoMhp4MOKHTFoSvJXD4IcDQUDLpPS8e_wLgOLlr2D5IhYCDBOomD1fqLyJdBGzZu6iFeWdMi428b27J4mkm32J9TPWzXcC8X4cMr1I05iLoLaDRrLjcXz1kuz2YleGP70-UM-Uvb-x7TLQ/s1170/IMG_6354.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="871" data-original-width="1170" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyiY3-QHnagstZnjZ5RDEdCnz4J_FSswy_0LfylPDoSvWcoMhp4MOKHTFoSvJXD4IcDQUDLpPS8e_wLgOLlr2D5IhYCDBOomD1fqLyJdBGzZu6iFeWdMi428b27J4mkm32J9TPWzXcC8X4cMr1I05iLoLaDRrLjcXz1kuz2YleGP70-UM-Uvb-x7TLQ/w640-h476/IMG_6354.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also loved all Margot's friends and the people she worked with. There was such a wide range of characters and despite them only being side characters, Sarra Manning managed to give them distinct personalities. All the relationships also felt so natural. It didn't feel like I was reading a book at times, more like witnessing the every day lives of real life people. I like it when a book feels so real that I forget that I'm reading something that has been crafted by someone. That's always a good sign of story-telling, I think.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also loved Will's family! His mom, step-dad and sisters were so realistic. The family dynamics were messy and imperfect, but you could see how much they loved and cared for one another. Again, they all had such distinct personalities that felt so natural.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TpuZCt_It3GurIt6Xyxd0DJZ2TqtpVMfgZKb2q11BsloULBnMsaAtfc7pB8mKX3NGQ6Y5N5UzA_eHi57Xyl8nXuULzG2SJj9qwuL66nKjeAaVPVtB9U-BL7rc9waf9ko469J5Nmsmd2WcAxNmpbWvnjVZxtE2jf6culpJSKGtoRnqj8F5JXVUrxTNQ/s566/the%20relationships.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="107" data-original-width="566" height="60" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TpuZCt_It3GurIt6Xyxd0DJZ2TqtpVMfgZKb2q11BsloULBnMsaAtfc7pB8mKX3NGQ6Y5N5UzA_eHi57Xyl8nXuULzG2SJj9qwuL66nKjeAaVPVtB9U-BL7rc9waf9ko469J5Nmsmd2WcAxNmpbWvnjVZxtE2jf6culpJSKGtoRnqj8F5JXVUrxTNQ/s320/the%20relationships.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The relationships were written so well! I loved Margot's relationships with her friends and work colleagues. Her friendships were so genuine, and it was heartwarming seeing her friendships with other women who encouraged her and supported her. 💛</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I lovedddd Will's relationship with his family. Like I said, the family dynamics were written incredibly well. It showed the frustration and disappointment we have with family, but also the love, care, and loyalty that accompanies it. Will didn't come from an easy background. He grew up with an abusive father, and it was heartbreaking to see the effect this had on him. However, his mother put herself and her kids first and crafted a better life for them. The contrast was evident, and I felt deeply relieved that his mother forged a better path for them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHa92ZooThRftjYGDO4tLHZKb7srWEuzflH6LKyVi3UUrgEta-ipMIAmJttFjkcy_9WrySj-2wU9WiasLzaeAND_OblwEwSijeugG1Zw8nlwJNhR2lHsSUahWRGo9DftnrGmptdHfK51d5knytOjDesUjFQ5PjQddf1GFQgua2MZtJANvN1Mhj6KRaTA/s366/the%20romance.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="96" data-original-width="366" height="84" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHa92ZooThRftjYGDO4tLHZKb7srWEuzflH6LKyVi3UUrgEta-ipMIAmJttFjkcy_9WrySj-2wU9WiasLzaeAND_OblwEwSijeugG1Zw8nlwJNhR2lHsSUahWRGo9DftnrGmptdHfK51d5knytOjDesUjFQ5PjQddf1GFQgua2MZtJANvN1Mhj6KRaTA/s320/the%20romance.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">THE ROMANCE WAS SO CUTE. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As I said, Margot and Will could definitely fall into the grumpy x sunshine trope and I was totally on board with that. I loved watching them slowly fall in love with each other's quirks and how they put aside their differences to give Blossom the best. The author wrote the progression from strangers to friends to lovers so incredibly well and, again, it felt very natural.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There were so many cute moments that had me squealing AND THE ENDING!! I was crying as it was so wholesome and just absolutely perfect.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was so heartwarming watching them begin to trust each other and share things they hadn't ever verbalised before. I absolutely loved watching them let each other into their lives, reading their hilarious text exchanges, seeing Margot become part of Will's family...it was honestly SO PERFECT. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They just complimented each other so well. And they took care of Blossom together so well. I JUST LOVED THEM SO MUCH.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtatMUGj9cCPuZNBsrFQhwMLJ0zezEW1Q9GZGytWoNDUSP8M1KZt10YCO8LyYnJR8ljK6t-lgk6MtJY4Vs-7l8Vx2vlIBt4rS-E3rQq62n6gS4VXRKC1lh63lD7DKyGHQi_EC16Djgbu_4KTCBWSgqyOBNSmwVs2V5NB66Bj6-21rVhBEMqm-rLJN3BQ/s1196/IMG_6271.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1170" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtatMUGj9cCPuZNBsrFQhwMLJ0zezEW1Q9GZGytWoNDUSP8M1KZt10YCO8LyYnJR8ljK6t-lgk6MtJY4Vs-7l8Vx2vlIBt4rS-E3rQq62n6gS4VXRKC1lh63lD7DKyGHQi_EC16Djgbu_4KTCBWSgqyOBNSmwVs2V5NB66Bj6-21rVhBEMqm-rLJN3BQ/w626-h640/IMG_6271.jpg" width="626" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eYb7TZv95hJi1Z4s2knC6H1GLmFFKvjBb2VoenxFS9kvmIefL0jdErSMVcjehmW4c-g2k32QtKUNzDwGB9dTbCVAKi_AYhLeAya12QnOqvuaD_96w01qfgppUQgQsbmBn8TrRsdS2c-Aq7k1sLIdn-TJA9xGOtdG0sik2lhT7I8fYqlli_w4w4luOw/s347/the%20plot.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="115" data-original-width="347" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eYb7TZv95hJi1Z4s2knC6H1GLmFFKvjBb2VoenxFS9kvmIefL0jdErSMVcjehmW4c-g2k32QtKUNzDwGB9dTbCVAKi_AYhLeAya12QnOqvuaD_96w01qfgppUQgQsbmBn8TrRsdS2c-Aq7k1sLIdn-TJA9xGOtdG0sik2lhT7I8fYqlli_w4w4luOw/s320/the%20plot.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>I adored the plot! Two lonely people who end up coparenting a rescue dog is such an adorable idea. There are so many dogs in this book, and I absolutely LOVED it. I loved seeing how Blossom grew from a terrified, insecure dog to one that flourished under the love and care she received from her owners. This was more a character-driven novel than plot driven, but I wasn't bored once and found myself flying through the pages. I was just so invested in the characters and in the story and just wanted to see them thrive. I hadn't realise how invested I was in the story until the ending when I was just casually crying in my room at 11pm because this story made me SO HAPPY. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I LOVED THIS BOOK. Honestly, if you love dogs, dual narratives, something like enemies-to-lovers, and characters that are written with so much depth and heart you will love this. The dialogue was so natural and the relationships were written with so much authenticity. The romance progressed at the perfect pace. The characters felt so incredibly <i>real. </i>They had so many layers which the author did a spectacular job of revealing to the reader throughout the book. I honestly adored this book so much! A feel-good contemporary romance with heart, authenticity and depth - you can't go wrong with it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RIz_v8mBH-HDdef6Y5MxWAy9sULFzghLLUObZlulVykhzM3O_njE8kyXElfw3QsoHIsYFyTkUCtlff_kepogjCPRSLle-AtQmxNLxfWvD9MbHj70_PSbTeilr2xk5yYnDwT97hEOX65yOfZ46qgri3vCJa289H_g5Gl1SKYmuJlxf7t_YzcDYXfu5Q/s1170/IMG_6357.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1170" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7RIz_v8mBH-HDdef6Y5MxWAy9sULFzghLLUObZlulVykhzM3O_njE8kyXElfw3QsoHIsYFyTkUCtlff_kepogjCPRSLle-AtQmxNLxfWvD9MbHj70_PSbTeilr2xk5yYnDwT97hEOX65yOfZ46qgri3vCJa289H_g5Gl1SKYmuJlxf7t_YzcDYXfu5Q/w640-h468/IMG_6357.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXtwmgJIjKCBZ0knYiewUgmUALfeU2httCauRGshKuz4eLw2iFwIRjnCs7qrsNf-uodPXsWH2o9BNZvaDFshifsKXP6StWUx9kKrdBm20qSZxeeTA8krZjC8_TNE1RYWdUKpd0MNIWuSj_d_b0s6F-b6nCNmCJqyVp_TPUdDBV6LBbtTo1bs4wde5Fg/s410/trigger%20warningg.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="96" data-original-width="410" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXtwmgJIjKCBZ0knYiewUgmUALfeU2httCauRGshKuz4eLw2iFwIRjnCs7qrsNf-uodPXsWH2o9BNZvaDFshifsKXP6StWUx9kKrdBm20qSZxeeTA8krZjC8_TNE1RYWdUKpd0MNIWuSj_d_b0s6F-b6nCNmCJqyVp_TPUdDBV6LBbtTo1bs4wde5Fg/s320/trigger%20warningg.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><ul><li>Mention of death of a parent</li><li>Cancer (not detailed)</li><li>Alcoholism and abuse (not detailed, brief mention)</li><li>Mention of panic attacks/therapy</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKH9O0MplKRrFAacV8Zwe0JW7Zo5FTUsCnQcdRJJ9FD8lKyXGOOkqHICZMk7eABDGL0M71rfjLtUPv_5G5wuueEoL3uQPzDsIqqJI4QMmUVR5fr-Qr-TsHGGWzcx2SNAarX2oYmcs-6ghlg8c40eFmc_XCbKcKT_Uy8M_Q2GdREg3emfQrGAj-3Tw0Ng/s399/content.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="101" data-original-width="399" height="81" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKH9O0MplKRrFAacV8Zwe0JW7Zo5FTUsCnQcdRJJ9FD8lKyXGOOkqHICZMk7eABDGL0M71rfjLtUPv_5G5wuueEoL3uQPzDsIqqJI4QMmUVR5fr-Qr-TsHGGWzcx2SNAarX2oYmcs-6ghlg8c40eFmc_XCbKcKT_Uy8M_Q2GdREg3emfQrGAj-3Tw0Ng/s320/content.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><ul><li>Some expletives used (only on a few occasions)</li><li>Think there were 2 steamy scenes but I skipped past them, so I'm not sure how much detail went into it. Aside from that, it was quite clean.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I give it: <b>4.5/5 cupcakes!</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAwcP16GsgUcZnAdVybohdaRTw2eNlaDjUh2blK5p5mD4WTPd-VFTpwasNhiqoNq62uoRjaXhAdNb-hOs6IPPXBUAjUbgJJ365YMaBFSeVPypCtoKVBwSRmwL5PkFKwPtRv60oT2C-ELkPPpT3beB_f4GO9u5QQ9vqO7msMwreD1AjlLxPv0BiBIHVQ/s733/4.5%20cupcakes.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="733" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAwcP16GsgUcZnAdVybohdaRTw2eNlaDjUh2blK5p5mD4WTPd-VFTpwasNhiqoNq62uoRjaXhAdNb-hOs6IPPXBUAjUbgJJ365YMaBFSeVPypCtoKVBwSRmwL5PkFKwPtRv60oT2C-ELkPPpT3beB_f4GO9u5QQ9vqO7msMwreD1AjlLxPv0BiBIHVQ/s320/4.5%20cupcakes.png" width="320" /></a></div></div><p></p>Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08208972644763001755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987920454791620682.post-41480651013329695682022-04-06T08:30:00.002+01:002022-04-06T08:30:34.992+01:00#CurrentlyReading<div class="separator"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeF69y8dwKw1UeZAp7UglcRtv1LwIrzs3jUCRBBBpRVivkgLjf0s2MgA46pIEGO7A6pqmeCFm0Ck7hodP3mtZYw-oDB2-QBVa-0QN94Bvnlhdk2p5-q_dBqUduD1m8hfpzpcnQ5TS5iik9VREoKRBwhko-OsaxI4tjuGGe26BMZHszfUvfGsXlQQwVSw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="1240" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeF69y8dwKw1UeZAp7UglcRtv1LwIrzs3jUCRBBBpRVivkgLjf0s2MgA46pIEGO7A6pqmeCFm0Ck7hodP3mtZYw-oDB2-QBVa-0QN94Bvnlhdk2p5-q_dBqUduD1m8hfpzpcnQ5TS5iik9VREoKRBwhko-OsaxI4tjuGGe26BMZHszfUvfGsXlQQwVSw=w624-h351" width="624" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Hello everybody! I hope you are all doing well. 💛</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I'm currently on my Easter break (yay!) but there's a lotttt of work to do (boo!). We have three weeks off, so I'm sure I'll manage to get all my work done in time. 🤞</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I haven't managed to read a lot yet this week but I did finish a book that I absolutely loved! I have several reservations at the library, so I'm super excited to talk about them in my book haul post this weekend.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimk5LYB4tJpl12s3LOwYTHrNDNtk1XsJ9TcOYT5rU1ntL-xJZ5EES4W0SSd8eBXCBnyfRtMglmKIP6Dxk_OMUZpp-dImgYd_VLIXbt5-tmGx0fxmxc2fBgFI5Uwfe9HTexuYJJuFJU97r0/s1600/What+i+read.PNG" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #f59b82; display: inline-block; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; outline: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimk5LYB4tJpl12s3LOwYTHrNDNtk1XsJ9TcOYT5rU1ntL-xJZ5EES4W0SSd8eBXCBnyfRtMglmKIP6Dxk_OMUZpp-dImgYd_VLIXbt5-tmGx0fxmxc2fBgFI5Uwfe9HTexuYJJuFJU97r0/s1600/What+i+read.PNG" style="border: 0px; height: inherit; max-width: 100%;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I finished reading Rescue Me by Sarra Manning this week, and I LOVED it. I was just casually sitting in my room at 11pm crying once I'd finished it. You know how it is sometimes. 🤣 The ending was so beautiful and heartwarming - I hadn't realised how much I cared for the characters. If you're looking for characters with depth who are slightly complicated, rescue dogs, and enemies-to-lovers, you'll probably love this! 🌸</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaucLOMF9wcYG6Vv2fEAarW3dq3o4MULimBIEmopciB9fvspc0eti5S4bmH0wRnc5OtHsC2a-k00Ad4ygNeTUQv6R60BFGv3Y3ZY6Ra6H3TQ6vb3H6JyY4X_p57cj37aoEA19-9ps0eRlRTImn94LKhnP9ktvAUPr_V8fonuBqkX5mrVStqm8jpr8EgA/s1194/14E7146D-B626-4781-9343-11AC544DBB53.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="1170" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaucLOMF9wcYG6Vv2fEAarW3dq3o4MULimBIEmopciB9fvspc0eti5S4bmH0wRnc5OtHsC2a-k00Ad4ygNeTUQv6R60BFGv3Y3ZY6Ra6H3TQ6vb3H6JyY4X_p57cj37aoEA19-9ps0eRlRTImn94LKhnP9ktvAUPr_V8fonuBqkX5mrVStqm8jpr8EgA/w629-h640/14E7146D-B626-4781-9343-11AC544DBB53.jpeg" width="629" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54215442-rescue-me?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=EhhW9HW2f9&rank=1">Rescue Me by Sarra Manning</a> - ⭐</span><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">⭐</span><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">⭐</span><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">⭐.5</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLsPNRuPW3FqpJJUZGp_yAPi7R0kd3BgHtWgoAz6hi09kmZZbTjJTJmeMgBxMaHc1P7oqG2b3DP4cjpEa442hwZuT7rCGkHvl03zAA3cYk0EZRC0S3H4ntmOec76P9vtb9t5UnYbejNNKFFs6KXU1_cchszhhrqcQwct2GHZ6EPbxHRMT5LhDPi5C2A/s320/what%20im%20reading.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="61" data-original-width="320" height="61" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaLsPNRuPW3FqpJJUZGp_yAPi7R0kd3BgHtWgoAz6hi09kmZZbTjJTJmeMgBxMaHc1P7oqG2b3DP4cjpEa442hwZuT7rCGkHvl03zAA3cYk0EZRC0S3H4ntmOec76P9vtb9t5UnYbejNNKFFs6KXU1_cchszhhrqcQwct2GHZ6EPbxHRMT5LhDPi5C2A/s1600/what%20im%20reading.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5vK_UFT_ev1kciQ5v944rBq4ffhSfDeRRdV8TrGd7BWNtSnJ98d0VzWlukztGGurGx3noWwnPv1_LMsx1Rq7XPi53cxkYCKUa8HzhBG8gdm-hmOw8hq3thDMzCIqramyZR46l3Uwl43RrSqZGWaWY5qyHBxGgrxI1ZBisYH7dFyqvfc_N6RllwF9Og/s1024/2F8FBAA9-691D-4D2A-8BA5-703EB40604E7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik5vK_UFT_ev1kciQ5v944rBq4ffhSfDeRRdV8TrGd7BWNtSnJ98d0VzWlukztGGurGx3noWwnPv1_LMsx1Rq7XPi53cxkYCKUa8HzhBG8gdm-hmOw8hq3thDMzCIqramyZR46l3Uwl43RrSqZGWaWY5qyHBxGgrxI1ZBisYH7dFyqvfc_N6RllwF9Og/w640-h480/2F8FBAA9-691D-4D2A-8BA5-703EB40604E7.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I'm currently listening to Instant Karma by Marissa Meyer and it's SO GOOD. I love the characters and the storyline is so interesting too! I do love some magical realism.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslAUSaUJs05XLUglWcCyUcOYMCpsyOc05nEBuivutiUHp0kLvYpczHFCDmt4pFOpcxY6PxD_jKop3zl2GjZNAvwO2_kIKi2Jh7vkK5avOD2XCCrNQKIQuqHBDrjwtO137yKsgHqqU-HwA_99QoDAXh40zFo6TTLGpC_KjlhV8d-WIJljKCdTyojFinA/s200/what%20next.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslAUSaUJs05XLUglWcCyUcOYMCpsyOc05nEBuivutiUHp0kLvYpczHFCDmt4pFOpcxY6PxD_jKop3zl2GjZNAvwO2_kIKi2Jh7vkK5avOD2XCCrNQKIQuqHBDrjwtO137yKsgHqqU-HwA_99QoDAXh40zFo6TTLGpC_KjlhV8d-WIJljKCdTyojFinA/s200/what%20next.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslAUSaUJs05XLUglWcCyUcOYMCpsyOc05nEBuivutiUHp0kLvYpczHFCDmt4pFOpcxY6PxD_jKop3zl2GjZNAvwO2_kIKi2Jh7vkK5avOD2XCCrNQKIQuqHBDrjwtO137yKsgHqqU-HwA_99QoDAXh40zFo6TTLGpC_KjlhV8d-WIJljKCdTyojFinA/s200/what%20next.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><img border="0" data-original-height="51" data-original-width="200" height="51" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslAUSaUJs05XLUglWcCyUcOYMCpsyOc05nEBuivutiUHp0kLvYpczHFCDmt4pFOpcxY6PxD_jKop3zl2GjZNAvwO2_kIKi2Jh7vkK5avOD2XCCrNQKIQuqHBDrjwtO137yKsgHqqU-HwA_99QoDAXh40zFo6TTLGpC_KjlhV8d-WIJljKCdTyojFinA/s1600/what%20next.png" width="200" /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircM_hlMidJxl0fMTVMpZPEhGKHgjaOdn7H5hAVcJVcSQH4xmwzinoAvKiFRxwVFDp1Exn9MYE9Xur5T4te0uN_ap_4ddpCdz3xNUq82kbkpUdJMWI2U7-Dfq24cWETEAVCyuqdPO8H7U0p3P77nhmlMIuX9yMS-1RvIlvu4NrBZ6DHxn-DMJrVGpzeA/s1170/IMG_6348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="809" data-original-width="1170" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEircM_hlMidJxl0fMTVMpZPEhGKHgjaOdn7H5hAVcJVcSQH4xmwzinoAvKiFRxwVFDp1Exn9MYE9Xur5T4te0uN_ap_4ddpCdz3xNUq82kbkpUdJMWI2U7-Dfq24cWETEAVCyuqdPO8H7U0p3P77nhmlMIuX9yMS-1RvIlvu4NrBZ6DHxn-DMJrVGpzeA/w640-h442/IMG_6348.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I got these out from the library on the weekend; I'm really looking forward to reading them! I've read an Emery Lord book before and loveeed it. Now that it's Spring (supposedly), I want to read ALL THE CONTEMPORARIES! 😍 I also got A Deadly Education...not sure about it anymore though as think it might be a tad too brutal for my liking. But we shall see! </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Montserrat;">What are you currently reading? What books did you finish reading recently? Let's talk! </b></p><p></p>Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08208972644763001755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987920454791620682.post-41077255290091377072022-04-02T21:20:00.007+01:002022-04-02T21:20:52.431+01:00BOOK HAUL! Library ebook haul! <p> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiO31GLL5Nv9XQ7OMYkM5yoFDBsKX_ej0bcc1or448bJalRkzUB4NWebMGmyvcfT4-AbEwH7BvHGiAqJ1D5hthdzRfhEzxN-Vf_tWg79QKoINXSI_k1Qp557SRnx8XObpKnm_0lYP6gey0/s1600/imageedit_4_3771339271.png" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px; height: inherit; max-width: 100%;" /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Hello!!! </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Firstly, wow, I haven't done a book haul in <i>ages</i>. I've been going to my library more frequently and perusing my library's digital app, so I've acquired a few books over the past few weeks. I'm excited to share the books I've be reading in the coming weeks!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br />Secondly, I've broken up for Easter break now which is very exciting. I have a lot of deadlines and exam revision to do, so it will hardly be a break - but I'm looking forward to not having to learn new material. I'll be seeing friends and have some exciting things on the next few weeks which should help break the monotony of revision!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"> I also realised I'm <i>super </i>out of the loop in terms of new book releases. I've spent the past couple of days watching Booktube videos and looking up what books have been released recently! I'm looking forward to getting to some of them soon.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnYdOQtOH9FmAnO8jb4e1MXAEsGgYL9DD3GTA0JIwPFl82ggjiqM5bGTo1UF5TEOTPxrQgYNeJG2DrMClZ-9M3renr-wncdfCJdcuIMyrJYuzmyiLYIdhEE7v5eK46c_yZIYyiodH7uY8V9Q7aCJ-cc_jxz6KwMB9DOYkLrSXY2TRyJUDpfgVoyCPjw/s1666/Screenshot%202022-04-01%20at%2021.23.04.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="1666" height="103" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdnYdOQtOH9FmAnO8jb4e1MXAEsGgYL9DD3GTA0JIwPFl82ggjiqM5bGTo1UF5TEOTPxrQgYNeJG2DrMClZ-9M3renr-wncdfCJdcuIMyrJYuzmyiLYIdhEE7v5eK46c_yZIYyiodH7uY8V9Q7aCJ-cc_jxz6KwMB9DOYkLrSXY2TRyJUDpfgVoyCPjw/s320/Screenshot%202022-04-01%20at%2021.23.04.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55710525-take-me-home-tonight?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=su5qdHe4AQ&rank=7" itemprop="image" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #00635d; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-decoration-line: none;"><img alt="Take Me Home Tonight" id="coverImage" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1610722910l/55710525.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-shadow: rgb(221, 221, 221) 0px 5px 5px; margin: 0px auto 10px; max-width: 150px;" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53174679-instant-karma?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=xxY3AyDwx4&rank=1" itemprop="image" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #00635d; font-size: 12px; text-decoration-line: none;"><span face="Lato, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif"><span style="border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-style: initial; box-shadow: rgb(221, 221, 221) 0px 5px 5px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Instant Karma" height="222" id="coverImage" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1588002981l/53174679.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-shadow: rgb(221, 221, 221) 0px 5px 5px; margin: 0px auto 10px; max-width: 150px;" width="147" /></span></span></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20319514-out-of-tune?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=UsgXj8WtBq&rank=2" style="font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2zitKY9AiOO7ZwxI5A8iEaLLv66as8BT69DW5g-4TmCSGXANN5Son8Iqql8wREm09eU_RPPcZwea8nBDsbdOsLJ37E63DfhlMKMt_w1ApN2QKIAeTXZejEhWzCduwmWFMuh2PBu9Jt-ssMjCdszQ_F0aH-itCz7ImZmh3ctnZNYxxhSixS9QUWJw_kA=w234-h234" width="234" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55110841-the-left-handed-booksellers-of-london" itemprop="image" rel="nofollow" style="color: #00635d; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><img alt="The Left-Handed Booksellers of London" id="coverImage" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1598321301l/55110841._SY475_.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-shadow: rgb(221, 221, 221) 0px 5px 5px; margin: 0px auto 10px; max-width: 150px;" /></a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Ahh! I was SO EXCITED when I saw these. I'm currently listening to Instant Karma and it's SO CUTE . I was listening to it whilst doing cosmology questions, and it made it much more enjoyable! If you're looking for a cute enemies-to-lovers romance with a magical twist, definitely give this a read.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I'm super excited to listen to Morgan Matson's newest book too! The Unexpected Everything is one of my favourite books, so I hope I love this one just as much. I've never read a Beth Reekles book, but this sounded too cute to pass up! Finally, I read a Garth Nix book ages ago and really enjoyed it. This book of his features magical booksellers?! SIGN ME UP.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ldMQCaTPPi_b-LZ2Hj7JWU3-9Bk9MTb-Nlr6wsTdhScldgCYc7v-A-L8pGlTU6gMTCSot4DZIauNKCnGpPKa9Ho_WkMZfm2pghvGXJ5c8SqXnrM-jYTI7qxDIN2cbu743pyVfxGXaoE3RQ9Z20uqT3OLSOLK1cCavhOqMatxWvxebbxZkLuL7F5HMw/s1748/Screenshot%202022-04-01%20at%2021.23.29.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1748" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ldMQCaTPPi_b-LZ2Hj7JWU3-9Bk9MTb-Nlr6wsTdhScldgCYc7v-A-L8pGlTU6gMTCSot4DZIauNKCnGpPKa9Ho_WkMZfm2pghvGXJ5c8SqXnrM-jYTI7qxDIN2cbu743pyVfxGXaoE3RQ9Z20uqT3OLSOLK1cCavhOqMatxWvxebbxZkLuL7F5HMw/w384-h126/Screenshot%202022-04-01%20at%2021.23.29.png" width="384" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/53401676-excuse-me-while-i-ugly-cry?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=0mIDcOEkxA&rank=1" itemprop="image" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #00635d; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><img alt="Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry" id="coverImage" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1601927908l/53401676._SY475_.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-shadow: rgb(221, 221, 221) 0px 5px 5px; margin: 0px auto 10px; max-width: 150px;" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22549636-arsenic-for-tea?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=9p54ugLOig&rank=1" itemprop="image" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #00635d; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><img alt="Arsenic for Tea (Murder Most Unladylike, #2)" id="coverImage" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1422630313l/22549636.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-shadow: rgb(221, 221, 221) 0px 5px 5px; margin: 0px auto 10px; max-width: 150px;" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23548125-first-class-murder?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=F7lU6ebrvz&rank=1" itemprop="image" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #00635d; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><img alt="First Class Murder (Murder Most Unladylike, #3)" id="coverImage" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1431348126l/23548125.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-shadow: rgb(221, 221, 221) 0px 5px 5px; margin: 0px auto 10px; max-width: 150px;" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56308926-the-swallows-flight?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=0Vl1HaFZNF&rank=1" itemprop="image" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #00635d; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><img alt="The Swallows’ Flight" id="coverImage" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1623490648l/56308926.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-shadow: rgb(221, 221, 221) 0px 5px 5px; margin: 0px auto 10px; max-width: 150px;" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58656279-the-false-rose?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=iI4sTXxhlH&rank=1" style="background-color: white; color: #00635d; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><img alt="The False Rose" height="239" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1628782113l/58656279._SX318_.jpg" style="border: 0px;" width="176" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50891997-the-meet-cute-project?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=IIsUAoQ3fw&rank=1" itemprop="image" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #00635d; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-decoration-line: none;"><img alt="The Meet-Cute Project" id="coverImage" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1608477198l/50891997.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-shadow: rgb(221, 221, 221) 0px 5px 5px; margin: 0px auto 10px; max-width: 150px;" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57509616-tokyo-ever-after" itemprop="image" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #00635d; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><img alt="Tokyo Ever After (Tokyo Ever After, #1)" id="coverImage" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1616540685l/57509616._SY475_.jpg" style="border: 0px; box-shadow: rgb(221, 221, 221) 0px 5px 5px; margin: 0px auto 10px; max-width: 150px;" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">OOH! So many good books! Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry sounds like such a cute contemporary romance! I read A Murder Most Unladylike years ago, but I really want to continue the series. I've been in the mood for a mystery book, but I have to stick to middle-grade fiction because YA/adult mysteries are usually too intense for me! </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I also read The Skylarks' War a few years ago and LOVED it! Super excited to read the companion novel.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I was also super happy to secure a copy of The False Rose. I read The Murderer's Ape a couple of years ago and LOVED it (you can read my review <a href="http://blogofabookaholic.blogspot.com/2018/07/heartfelt-and-unique-murderers-ape-by.html">here</a>!!), so I can't waitttt to be reunited with the lovable cast of characters! </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkG5bcQWn9jZyJwrWXMzxkHKxshNIreoXryd6uBe-Frrv2UkruUuCvU9Pv_4L6evAykS1-hkFwpsVknHi932bsP4APemb2WV_jUOuPpWxrHb_JFy8M4P8V6FIg-SjAgnxxYD7x1Cp3fMWlNFmsAyIWfUukzhaNyOlZ4kq_4shzmAveWaGEbUjoJ52RBA/s1024/35F49196-7160-4FA5-947A-BE6CC64FF1A7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkG5bcQWn9jZyJwrWXMzxkHKxshNIreoXryd6uBe-Frrv2UkruUuCvU9Pv_4L6evAykS1-hkFwpsVknHi932bsP4APemb2WV_jUOuPpWxrHb_JFy8M4P8V6FIg-SjAgnxxYD7x1Cp3fMWlNFmsAyIWfUukzhaNyOlZ4kq_4shzmAveWaGEbUjoJ52RBA/w640-h480/35F49196-7160-4FA5-947A-BE6CC64FF1A7.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">The Meet-Cute Project sounds pretty cute as well! It doesn't have the best reviews but it sounds SO FLUFFY. I love fluffy. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Finally, Tokyo Ever After sounds like The Princess Diaries for a new generation and I'm HERE FOR IT. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0sdd9S45lMrAHJxYtEIlnKK9aRbhXuSdCU4KhP3nLJUSGiE8zXo9mwDNJ9MCVfQbgy4f6gmPeWcy4RPeMRQaWY1kXBeq7JL1lZK1in8J3kobUTz8l1Gz0eulvC2fma1axluo_LZoNe1nTZU6z7M2tetGsZRYZvkC1mNyLky-QLfswEIXF4w4kcyBieQ/s974/751D9162-96BD-401C-81B2-11C851555A5B.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="974" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0sdd9S45lMrAHJxYtEIlnKK9aRbhXuSdCU4KhP3nLJUSGiE8zXo9mwDNJ9MCVfQbgy4f6gmPeWcy4RPeMRQaWY1kXBeq7JL1lZK1in8J3kobUTz8l1Gz0eulvC2fma1axluo_LZoNe1nTZU6z7M2tetGsZRYZvkC1mNyLky-QLfswEIXF4w4kcyBieQ/w640-h504/751D9162-96BD-401C-81B2-11C851555A5B.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">So! <b>Have you read any of these? Are they on your TBR list? What books have you added to your shelves this week? </b></span></p>Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08208972644763001755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987920454791620682.post-65416751232683076412022-03-29T22:16:00.000+01:002022-03-29T22:16:19.083+01:00BOOK REVIEW! Love Me Not by Holly Smale <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkml9PdElU4Cxy52ea0WIRSdQ2IrNKXlIb8KvQ32ll9gk7UcMvvg38pXYhfKD8f4jJL9_GnSDBS2k0OMr3-sIffiMsjv2A6y8A1C24TTzo_YceOmEvHtleYt_7WYqRcw84mH9ZDK9ic1cCOJ6mXtXdoC6amTl7XNgVX888168G3-iIzfTVjja8UklaVQ/s1640/Love%20Me%20not%20by%20holly%20smale.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1640" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkml9PdElU4Cxy52ea0WIRSdQ2IrNKXlIb8KvQ32ll9gk7UcMvvg38pXYhfKD8f4jJL9_GnSDBS2k0OMr3-sIffiMsjv2A6y8A1C24TTzo_YceOmEvHtleYt_7WYqRcw84mH9ZDK9ic1cCOJ6mXtXdoC6amTl7XNgVX888168G3-iIzfTVjja8UklaVQ/w640-h360/Love%20Me%20not%20by%20holly%20smale.png" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Title: Love Me Not </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Series: The Valentines #3</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Author: Holly Smale</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Publication: May 13 2021, HarperCollins Childrens Books</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Pages: 528 Pages, Paperback</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Source: Library</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><b>Rating: 2.5/5 cupcakes! </b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></span></p><blockquote><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">The stunning conclusion to the mega fame-busting 11-13 trilogy from the multi-million bestselling author of GEEK GIRL.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: pink; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Party girl actress Mercy Valentine is nobody’s hero and that’s how she wants it. She’s sarcastic, sharp and always defensive – so no one can hurt her ever again. Mercy’s starring in a major theatre show and hitting the gossip headlines, but her glamorous world is about to come crashing down. And when Mercy crashes there will be fireworks…</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">LOVE ME NOT is an eye-opening, heart-warming, darkly funny exploration of what it really means to be famous, and how to heal a broken heart.</span></span></blockquote><span style="background-color: white; color: pink; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuhWFcArM2T0MARIQWRSAqXosujN-ZcxpKlWaHKY9VQVJfZLbpi_1UOnWTORhYaA0jl89j6jSTvitQKj6yL-gF41yMx1QLTG1Aq6L54bn7EvvkNfD-Q6v-V8Ty75ikIfXHgnksD8Z1WAcAU3N2Dki6CzScOBJoMIClA--_4ARvSkA-H0l07S2cMbf8A/s134/add-to-goodreads-button.png" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="45" data-original-width="134" height="45" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNuhWFcArM2T0MARIQWRSAqXosujN-ZcxpKlWaHKY9VQVJfZLbpi_1UOnWTORhYaA0jl89j6jSTvitQKj6yL-gF41yMx1QLTG1Aq6L54bn7EvvkNfD-Q6v-V8Ty75ikIfXHgnksD8Z1WAcAU3N2Dki6CzScOBJoMIClA--_4ARvSkA-H0l07S2cMbf8A/s1600/add-to-goodreads-button.png" width="134" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">You know when you can't find anything you particularly like about a book but you also can't stop reading it? That's how I felt about Love Me Not. It was weirdly compelling; perhaps it was because I wanted to find out what happened to Charity, Mercy's twin sister who died, or maybe it was because I wanted to see Mercy have a complete character overhaul, or maybe it was because this book was filled with drama and angst which was a welcome distraction from the deadlines I have at the moment. That being said, reading this book felt like experiencing a fever dream - slightly disorientating and markedly strange at times and not altogether enjoyable.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1BEl6K0n1JzNMn2hiMdCPw7jddoxmRrfyK4Vh4-d7q0WPNR_rUfJPSs1Vom_OQryxh2JETAtpzzZk2fF-rf99__HrOf65Dq6mSWl9mwio-7ofjV1F92Y-A5-ZUIgwb0Eq7GBgvpunciM/s484/what+i+didnt+like.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="88" data-original-width="484" height="58" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1BEl6K0n1JzNMn2hiMdCPw7jddoxmRrfyK4Vh4-d7q0WPNR_rUfJPSs1Vom_OQryxh2JETAtpzzZk2fF-rf99__HrOf65Dq6mSWl9mwio-7ofjV1F92Y-A5-ZUIgwb0Eq7GBgvpunciM/w320-h58/what+i+didnt+like.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">There was a significant portion of this book I didn't particularly like. I think the main reason being it seemed incredibly unrealistic. The concept was good - who doesn't love reading about the drama and secrets in a dysfunctional famous family? Books that look at how the other half live are almost always entertaining, with the chance to explore a broad variety of topics. I feel like if this book was written for upper YA/New Adult it would have reached its full potential, but due to the immaturity of the characters and the simplistic writing the characters seemed almost caricatural in nature. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKiR82KhSbOXPYXtLRLbkYKlrYPjN7rWECP98NIHVi4MBNeunitQkuF_M6z0lwx2VJGcKt9pKBZuTBYjCg2wawuZlqGfsnRgtiwSov2bcKD_p4VGprdnk43wwLF9QYa1-RUQVqFxM8D9yvIPW90mblCoua3OpnzZDLVs6o8WwB9PxjniDFQhzN4Pe5A/s442/the%20characters.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="88" data-original-width="442" height="64" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIKiR82KhSbOXPYXtLRLbkYKlrYPjN7rWECP98NIHVi4MBNeunitQkuF_M6z0lwx2VJGcKt9pKBZuTBYjCg2wawuZlqGfsnRgtiwSov2bcKD_p4VGprdnk43wwLF9QYa1-RUQVqFxM8D9yvIPW90mblCoua3OpnzZDLVs6o8WwB9PxjniDFQhzN4Pe5A/s320/the%20characters.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">For me the characters in a book are integral to how much I enjoyment I get from my reading experience. With <i>Love Me Not, </i>I'm not entirely sure how I feel about them. I'm not sure why I kept reading this series as I never really clicked with any of the characters, but perhaps I am an optimist at heart and believed with every book I would have a deeper appreciation of them. Mercy, the main character, is complicated. She's angry and she's cruel and pushes people away. I understood her hurting and the way she thought, but the way it was written made her "badness" came across as satirical almost. She said the most ridiculous things and was quite a volatile character, but instead of the writing capturing a more realistic anger it just made it seem cartoonish and slightly maniacal. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">I also would get incredibly frustrated with her as she was handed movie/theatre roles on a silver platter due to her family lineage, but she didn't take it seriously at all. She would miss rehearsals, make a scene when she <i>did</i> go to rehearsals, and never seemed to do work ever. For a book about a famous acting family, Mercy just didn't seem to care about acting at all. Eventually, it seemed like she did, but for a significant portion of the book I just didn't understand Mercy's attitude and reaction to things. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Another reason Mercy's character seemed satirical was the erratic way she would swing from being somewhat decent to being completely awful again. The way she treated Finn and her family was terrible at times, and she recognised that, but would keep doing it. HOWEVER, by the end of the book she was working on herself and had redeemed herself quite a bit. So yay for character development! We love to see it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXM36o20SYHrX7ggFdr54RsKT8NORxthG5G0gfAD3ImmkSlSeRpIAScOeRdZBqqZKZ2vHw7PaVjAY96Nr9JbAvSmpEtDM4siiIWznJGkuzcuE66T2cFs-p4J7avzAZt4c6SY-wHW8Dfv4qqof1MOY0L5aV2Nhm8GjbzorwxU1tGXsj7Gpm-VICQ2W35Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="498" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXM36o20SYHrX7ggFdr54RsKT8NORxthG5G0gfAD3ImmkSlSeRpIAScOeRdZBqqZKZ2vHw7PaVjAY96Nr9JbAvSmpEtDM4siiIWznJGkuzcuE66T2cFs-p4J7avzAZt4c6SY-wHW8Dfv4qqof1MOY0L5aV2Nhm8GjbzorwxU1tGXsj7Gpm-VICQ2W35Q" width="320" /></a></div></div></span><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div>Effie, Hope, and Max also played a prominent role in this series. Max came across as narcissistic and fully embraced that. Hope is fifteen-years-old but still can't say basic words properly. Effie is sweet and caring, but again, that seems to be all there is to her character. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Mercy's friends were the stereotypical rich airheads who share a single brain cell between them. Some of the things they said I couldn't help but laugh at their ridiculous dialogues, as I don't think anyone would say some of the things they said. At least, I hope not. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Finn was the saving grace in this book. He was one of the stage crew at the theatre who started emailing Mercy for work purposes and from that a friendship began. Finn was so patient and understanding with Mercy, and I absolutely loved him.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Pretty much all the characters in this series (except Finn, who is a human cinnamon roll and must be protected at all costs) act completely unrealistically and seem to have no depth to them.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrh4SFvGT6pO-dFTbk9I_V3cTegEruN2sGKie0MixGAdtUyj7S47aQF6UFn_3av_8ft_XoDF6-7TCFFyARO9-ci0KoCWutoBhz07FM1hMGNJbM13Lzfo4GYBR-orgRy47vnXx7SfvnAmrhI62uM8_oeR5JN9tWu2cxXCViSD2lZsGOJ9bubGXcRtzrwQ/s566/the%20relationships.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="107" data-original-width="566" height="60" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrh4SFvGT6pO-dFTbk9I_V3cTegEruN2sGKie0MixGAdtUyj7S47aQF6UFn_3av_8ft_XoDF6-7TCFFyARO9-ci0KoCWutoBhz07FM1hMGNJbM13Lzfo4GYBR-orgRy47vnXx7SfvnAmrhI62uM8_oeR5JN9tWu2cxXCViSD2lZsGOJ9bubGXcRtzrwQ/s320/the%20relationships.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">The relationships in this book weren't terrible, but they weren't great either. I appreciated how, despite Mercy's personality and severe anger issues, her family stuck by her and forgave her and kept loving her, which is an incredible thing about families. Their concern and forgiveness was apparent which was really nice to see! I was glad that in this book the parents finally started taking some responsibility. The siblings were left to their own devices for a lot of this series, with the mom being mentally absent and enshrouded in her own grief and the dad having abandoned the family to do work in America. I understand the parents were grieving in their own ways, but for them to not be there for their children was really sad. I'm glad that the characters in this book finally healed and were able to find closure and support one another. There was apparent growth in the characters and their relationships which was great to see! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgnMNObWwJ0ANRf5JN8XV9Q3ngscBuzmaz3fCtgBTHh97VkINV7YDf1LO6zsc40qifhPwFTmo9ROKtNupp1CxaReckX_ZeQbNCM5Zlb6HuZSN_oNkCbsLjlhCHkw1sW5phU_OPMMJ6Q-zZGk8Ah8IyjxEfSc4RnewS62AyfJSP8BiaTBZyTSMxE8NJw/s2000/C870AA4A-21F0-4784-B03C-EDD648910F93.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgnMNObWwJ0ANRf5JN8XV9Q3ngscBuzmaz3fCtgBTHh97VkINV7YDf1LO6zsc40qifhPwFTmo9ROKtNupp1CxaReckX_ZeQbNCM5Zlb6HuZSN_oNkCbsLjlhCHkw1sW5phU_OPMMJ6Q-zZGk8Ah8IyjxEfSc4RnewS62AyfJSP8BiaTBZyTSMxE8NJw/w480-h640/C870AA4A-21F0-4784-B03C-EDD648910F93.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">The friendships in this book weren't great. Mercy's friends were horrible to her. She didn't treat them that well either, but some of the things they said to her were also awful. Their friendship also seemed to revolve entirely around partying, clubbing, and popularity. I understand Mercy stayed friends with them as they had been friends since childhood, and I was glad that she finally decided they weren't a good fit for each other anymore and stepped away from that. Again, yay for character development! </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57whNHHn56C1kudx-VVnymytCFNUUxLKVtnNXFvUtYIF82_NKEWdHT3J1859IKEP1ZK1YtbmqaNyFxoLYJTZCnicRVK9oDj7OieQRqZMXO8uWRdzExFadLGJDv9i-lexTM5JMIILFhSrYJkLAUIyBRVfZ5_kJAziqO0tv8Qf-JsZWVONmMYA-ERG0_Q/s385/the%20writing.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="112" data-original-width="385" height="93" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57whNHHn56C1kudx-VVnymytCFNUUxLKVtnNXFvUtYIF82_NKEWdHT3J1859IKEP1ZK1YtbmqaNyFxoLYJTZCnicRVK9oDj7OieQRqZMXO8uWRdzExFadLGJDv9i-lexTM5JMIILFhSrYJkLAUIyBRVfZ5_kJAziqO0tv8Qf-JsZWVONmMYA-ERG0_Q/s320/the%20writing.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Montserrat; text-align: left;"> I will bear in mind that the target audience for this series is the lower-end of YA. I found the writing very simplistic, and the dialogue quite immature. The excessive use of capital letters and the oddly put together phrases disconnected me from the story. There were a lot of moments that the writing made the story seem, as I've said, satirical and like a slightly unreal experience - and not in the best way.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZx3D9lmDZ7NJREBnnhl5Ico0NQvVgWI_x9Gjj21IDaj0fT7ZEabO5ijOcUCSvEEtPv3yvwPcBc4oK9MtH7c-mjWzQNrcOXRwACsgug9k56VngGZoaG9vL4RGysIb6ImZc4jZOWhEgks6YQJSXzfMp2yVea44chBqGG_tHlv77nhqYseBFFj_cR5OQA/s390/what%20i%20loved.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="94" data-original-width="390" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMZx3D9lmDZ7NJREBnnhl5Ico0NQvVgWI_x9Gjj21IDaj0fT7ZEabO5ijOcUCSvEEtPv3yvwPcBc4oK9MtH7c-mjWzQNrcOXRwACsgug9k56VngGZoaG9vL4RGysIb6ImZc4jZOWhEgks6YQJSXzfMp2yVea44chBqGG_tHlv77nhqYseBFFj_cR5OQA/s320/what%20i%20loved.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;">Although there wasn't anything I particularly loved about this book...I couldn't stop reading. I think Holly Smale did a good job of showing glimmers of Mercy's personality and at times managed to capture her hurt and anger with authenticity. I wanted to see Mercy come to terms with her grief and begin healing, and I was grateful that the author addressed Mercy's flaws and developed her into a more likeable character. The other characters also had some character development too which contrasted against how they were in the beginning of the series.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEC9WwG-bUqidpBzjGgofcy_UlseX8fS9W5IZBxvBPXskedJyemf7VFbWjjPoa_ilsz__B8dWldVQOUwAXajLHoDiln0G3ZkTvbgq5BfCJWS4h_rDQtMmZ-bc5HuT_hv_WEHLq358-hASoxBJafzpanKFSjN0h0SeLIgAo8o-RDOjo9_S4hkMoC-11Q/s366/the%20romance.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="96" data-original-width="366" height="84" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEC9WwG-bUqidpBzjGgofcy_UlseX8fS9W5IZBxvBPXskedJyemf7VFbWjjPoa_ilsz__B8dWldVQOUwAXajLHoDiln0G3ZkTvbgq5BfCJWS4h_rDQtMmZ-bc5HuT_hv_WEHLq358-hASoxBJafzpanKFSjN0h0SeLIgAo8o-RDOjo9_S4hkMoC-11Q/s320/the%20romance.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The romance was actually quite sweet. I really liked how Mercy and Finn started getting to know each other over emails, and then the dates they went on were quite cute too! Mercy didn't treat him well quite a lot though, which I found infuriating, but by the end of the book they seemed to be in a healthier relationship. </span></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat;"><br /></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; text-align: left;">I'm not entirely sure why I kept reading, perhaps out of loyalty to honour the nostalgia associated with Smale's books, but I'm glad I did as it was an absorbing read that I felt myself entertained by nonetheless. If you're looking for a book with in-depth characters, a well-written narrative, and a fast-paced plot this probably isn't for you. If, however, you want a read that is dramatic, angsty, and filled with dysfunctional characters with the potential to grow, you might enjoy this. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; text-align: left;">Although Love Me Not didn't deliver in the way I hoped it would, it was a highly readable book that kept me engaged with the sweet love interest, lifestyle of the rich and the famous, and the hint of mystery of how the Valentine family fell into grief. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Montserrat; text-align: left;">I give it: 2.5/5 cupcakes</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL53l392Hbinw25pr-KufVbE2urtAMFKH8ahXdzJt04-cQbxQm08PhEvz5FYY3yay3S6_rFRaV_W5nkfjgmnJIA-ZMujVLSe1PGIPegfIgwhqJPgn0ahVOOCc0GB-7hcwA0l4r_agw-NuqvDmyUKV3Cj8R-4irMMthj0qNS77350DjS7NYjJW7zG6aaA/s411/2.5%20cupcakes.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="411" height="82" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL53l392Hbinw25pr-KufVbE2urtAMFKH8ahXdzJt04-cQbxQm08PhEvz5FYY3yay3S6_rFRaV_W5nkfjgmnJIA-ZMujVLSe1PGIPegfIgwhqJPgn0ahVOOCc0GB-7hcwA0l4r_agw-NuqvDmyUKV3Cj8R-4irMMthj0qNS77350DjS7NYjJW7zG6aaA/w147-h82/2.5%20cupcakes.png" width="147" /></a></div></div> <script async="" src="https://tenor.com/embed.js" type="text/javascript"></script>Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08208972644763001755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987920454791620682.post-58953869478035294662021-06-14T20:25:00.004+01:002021-06-14T20:26:33.952+01:00What I'm Currently Reading - getting back into it! <p style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu44zv5G3r0GdT9ziITCVEcRJgmcKihvRDOdsn4kiVKt_uCV1zFYk95iONJuKZtF6Ge95u6o1YhAnKOkBf1LdRmbvJ_fpbUZeHsV7fBQqmtSMVEMes6ztMQm74oPKKuZbq33lVlKdmS848/s640/imageedit_13_4453929409.png" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px; height: inherit; max-width: 100%; text-align: center;" /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Hello! </p><p style="text-align: center;">I hope you guys are doing well.</p><p style="text-align: center;">This past week has been a blur, but it's been good. I finished two books (YAY) and I'm looking forward to getting more into reading this week! It feels so weird to not have to study. I still get moments of thinking "Oh my goodness, I need to hurry up - I have revision to do!" but I don't. What a beautiful concept. 😍</p><p style="text-align: center;">I had a really lovely weekend! I'm working quite a bit at my part-time job this summer, so that's been keeping me very busy. I also had a picnic and canal walk with my boyfriend on Friday and a lovely lunch with his family and mine on Sunday. The weather in England has been utterly glorious the past few days as well - it's finally feeling like summer! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimk5LYB4tJpl12s3LOwYTHrNDNtk1XsJ9TcOYT5rU1ntL-xJZ5EES4W0SSd8eBXCBnyfRtMglmKIP6Dxk_OMUZpp-dImgYd_VLIXbt5-tmGx0fxmxc2fBgFI5Uwfe9HTexuYJJuFJU97r0/s1600/What+i+read.PNG" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #f59b82; display: inline-block; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; outline: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimk5LYB4tJpl12s3LOwYTHrNDNtk1XsJ9TcOYT5rU1ntL-xJZ5EES4W0SSd8eBXCBnyfRtMglmKIP6Dxk_OMUZpp-dImgYd_VLIXbt5-tmGx0fxmxc2fBgFI5Uwfe9HTexuYJJuFJU97r0/s1600/What+i+read.PNG" style="border: 0px; height: inherit; max-width: 100%;" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="306" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAEnqlofgInzYkdY2evb158M2hYAzV3i58oDBMHuKR9cPOQp6jQqy7B4KkHzMbHw9sWgxGK5r5LTuskny4IPFcuEoxooaCgaAi1futhdb128m5ahht-ms-lYeDO1GuW_JP8HastO_PRuN/" width="155" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmt1YU7O2Jy3KXaauHrMrU8ZTd80wubEWJWgF3oqZGPcRsTB9uQqbnDDtDmThKBjHvMVVX-Yvi1-Azmg2DslO8ssBWzBMs44O_3STmJTKv21OVfVUXXVRASXmobD3PhqiUwmX7cLBoIHN2/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="318" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmt1YU7O2Jy3KXaauHrMrU8ZTd80wubEWJWgF3oqZGPcRsTB9uQqbnDDtDmThKBjHvMVVX-Yvi1-Azmg2DslO8ssBWzBMs44O_3STmJTKv21OVfVUXXVRASXmobD3PhqiUwmX7cLBoIHN2/" width="165" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Surprised by the Voice of God by Jack Deere - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐ | The Return - Nicholas Sparks - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐.5</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;"><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"><span style="background-color: white;">Surprised by the Voice of God was so good! It was so encouraging and really inspired me, again, to pursue and prioritise a personal, meaningful relationship with Him. I highly recommend! </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"><span style="background-color: white;">The Return wasn't a good book at all. I was super disappointed with it. I won't say much about it here but you can read <a href="http://blogofabookaholic.blogspot.com/2021/06/the-return-by-nicholas-sparks-was.html">my review</a> where I say <i>allll</i> the things.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOdDAPJ8RZZwLoKj6nDKaE6bl_eQiS1RfGazS6FFw9r7xVyOzm44GghRkiXjkao68BU2-nJUfa9YI9VPns-uCkYc-SC3F2ozMoQWPvmjjZNKchZDM1Z2hR_mflZNlJf-f_rgzSsCM-Tfi/s2048/59910897-8A62-4121-AA02-C43AAB2F1613.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJOdDAPJ8RZZwLoKj6nDKaE6bl_eQiS1RfGazS6FFw9r7xVyOzm44GghRkiXjkao68BU2-nJUfa9YI9VPns-uCkYc-SC3F2ozMoQWPvmjjZNKchZDM1Z2hR_mflZNlJf-f_rgzSsCM-Tfi/w480-h640/59910897-8A62-4121-AA02-C43AAB2F1613.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Lora;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img height="61" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJsEMu_HGGYSgxvpPA_Gz45ByZQpuVpabm-TK15X1S0CALVlBJONp45eZrIklfHzbWRtAMZmDoE1udiUR8mU2Wq8MxOdimPC-jUUbSOmhPcvWk0OQKJE-vV-V0tTPpSCQr_HcrcQjmPmz/w320-h61/what+im+reading.PNG" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px; height: inherit; max-width: 100%;" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="251" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF95cJ9lUKcZJXJGMqrShcN9PBdHeoE9wfA3SEXeokUuKudeBPTQufto6HI_ebvnXoy3vEu7UVpINY2Aoh2UV51r2stfZcHC5pvKh0oshpvVEp1Grv93c9dn8CTWMMyFySxV1eH4o-25BN/" width="151" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CQObOAtgesXSZHZVrZN39JIrBusuTczeUfv5SDdlQ2tpRPmpmNcZXqX_7fnVyJ_ZtKFfX6ggaPydl60DCDLT6r5aK7ovDiBdeIAyYPEvpMOExmvEu-XEMQMlxTIavNXJrCoDTZiY-5VM/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="304" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CQObOAtgesXSZHZVrZN39JIrBusuTczeUfv5SDdlQ2tpRPmpmNcZXqX_7fnVyJ_ZtKFfX6ggaPydl60DCDLT6r5aK7ovDiBdeIAyYPEvpMOExmvEu-XEMQMlxTIavNXJrCoDTZiY-5VM/" width="154" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm currently doing a bible study on 1 Samuel and I'm really enjoying reading 1 Samuel For You alongside it - it adds much depth and insight. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've also started reading the Poldark series again. I began the series last year and I really enjoyed the three I read - I'm looking forward to delving back into the world! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyoF0dKdEyU5T51i4ExPbU8ZE65d1yLI-mAZFsXD-TpwS168DYjPt-VpkV1qjCRdkC26RyXXFdAQy8lIiSIqE_7ZkuRMhq2VCMa4tHLO5vZ9qgDs2NLDMPTTCU8-c2i1oepUSj0Sd0KGt/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="51" data-original-width="200" height="51" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyoF0dKdEyU5T51i4ExPbU8ZE65d1yLI-mAZFsXD-TpwS168DYjPt-VpkV1qjCRdkC26RyXXFdAQy8lIiSIqE_7ZkuRMhq2VCMa4tHLO5vZ9qgDs2NLDMPTTCU8-c2i1oepUSj0Sd0KGt/w200-h51/image.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKKaUYrpzOEMXnWNjrZ3yvPNuHO5T1NGs37WzIG58zO-BijFO2fxhRpFHU0P3P7MmM0Y_0ONEpzaR5o2jh_TB_2tdS-VpzA2K3YP3tORBG5WULLyvVz3jMuDespBPhyLlH8e1VL9Pq_2r/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="249" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKKaUYrpzOEMXnWNjrZ3yvPNuHO5T1NGs37WzIG58zO-BijFO2fxhRpFHU0P3P7MmM0Y_0ONEpzaR5o2jh_TB_2tdS-VpzA2K3YP3tORBG5WULLyvVz3jMuDespBPhyLlH8e1VL9Pq_2r/" width="149" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm sooo excited to read this!!! The Alex Rider series is one of my childhood favourites and I'm so happy there are more books being published in the series.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>What books have you read this week? Were they good? Let's talk!</b></div></div></div></div>Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08208972644763001755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987920454791620682.post-35395604943121883242021-06-11T00:00:00.002+01:002021-06-11T08:19:18.206+01:00The Return by Nicholas Sparks was lacking...spark<p></p><div class="grapefruit" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJTqTsKoVfkEDD-9WOGlgo_5yyS0erRT2U2478n6VKB3DL3QT-2nJ6HvGSgrYfgwlk0aOocY1G2vw7UzTxQWqeNSN_dvhynrIT-I23bSeVHs087yLgSPpORwokfMHUqBjjgsncyrWeBTb/s1920/The+Return.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJTqTsKoVfkEDD-9WOGlgo_5yyS0erRT2U2478n6VKB3DL3QT-2nJ6HvGSgrYfgwlk0aOocY1G2vw7UzTxQWqeNSN_dvhynrIT-I23bSeVHs087yLgSPpORwokfMHUqBjjgsncyrWeBTb/w660-h309/The+Return.png" width="660" /></a></div> <div class="grapefruit" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Title: The Return</b></div><div class="grapefruit" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Author: Nicholas Sparks</b></div><div class="grapefruit" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Series: N/A</b></div><div class="grapefruit" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Publication: June 22 2020</b></div><div class="grapefruit" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Pages: 355 Pages, Hardcover</b></div><div class="grapefruit" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Source: Library</b></div><div class="grapefruit" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Rating: 2/5 Cupcakes</b></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 18px 0px; padding: 0px;"><b></b></p><blockquote><p style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 18px 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>#1 <i>New York Times</i> bestselling author Nicholas Sparks returns with a moving new novel about an injured army doctor and the two women whose secrets will change the course of his life.</b></p><div class="grapefruit" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 18px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Trevor Benson never intended to move back to New Bern, North Carolina. But when a mortar blast outside the hospital where he worked as an orthopedic surgeon sent him home from Afghanistan with devastating injuries, the dilapidated cabin he'd inherited from his grandfather seemed as good a place to regroup as any.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 18px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Tending to his grandfather's beloved bee hives while preparing for a second stint in medical school, Trevor isn't prepared to fall in love with a local . . . yet, from their very first encounter, Trevor feels a connection with deputy sheriff Natalie Masterson that he can't ignore. But even as she seems to reciprocate his feelings, she remains frustratingly distant, making Trevor wonder what she's hiding.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 18px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">Further complicating his stay in New Bern is the presence of a sullen teenage girl, Callie, who lives in the trailer park down the road. Claiming to be 17, she works at the local sundries store and keeps to herself. Discovering that she was once befriended by his grandfather, Trevor hopes Callie can shed light on the mysterious circumstances of his grandfather's death, but she offers few clues - until a crisis triggers a race that will uncover the true nature of Callie's past, one more intertwined with the elderly man's passing than Trevor could have ever anticipated.</p><p style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin: 18px 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><b>In his quest to unravel Natalie and Callie's secrets, Trevor will learn the true meaning of love and forgiveness . . . and that in life, to move forward, we must often return to the place where it all began.</b></p></div></blockquote><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You know what they say, it's not summer without Nicholas Sparks. Well, I'm pretty sure no one says that except for me but it doesn't make it any less true. As soon as the sun begins to emerge and the scent of sunscreen and ice-cream linger in the air, I know it's time to crack open a Nicholas Sparks book. Nothing screams summer like a tragic love story, right? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">However, the magic that filled the pages of a Sparks novel seems to be distinctly lacking in his two latest novels. I've read several of his books and I thought he couldn't write a bad book, but after reading his last two books I can't help wondering if this is the same author who wrote books like <i>The Last Song </i>and <i>Dear John</i>. With bland characters, stilted dialogue and a wooden romance, I'm beginning to think that Nicholas Sparks may have lost his spark. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1BEl6K0n1JzNMn2hiMdCPw7jddoxmRrfyK4Vh4-d7q0WPNR_rUfJPSs1Vom_OQryxh2JETAtpzzZk2fF-rf99__HrOf65Dq6mSWl9mwio-7ofjV1F92Y-A5-ZUIgwb0Eq7GBgvpunciM/s484/what+i+didnt+like.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="88" data-original-width="484" height="58" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1BEl6K0n1JzNMn2hiMdCPw7jddoxmRrfyK4Vh4-d7q0WPNR_rUfJPSs1Vom_OQryxh2JETAtpzzZk2fF-rf99__HrOf65Dq6mSWl9mwio-7ofjV1F92Y-A5-ZUIgwb0Eq7GBgvpunciM/w320-h58/what+i+didnt+like.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sadly, I didn't like most of this book. Why did I keep reading? Probably because I have an unrealistic optimism when it comes to books improving as I read more of it and probably because I really want to love every Nicholas Sparks book I read. There were a couple of things I did like but it wasn't enough to salvage the book for me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcuwPfJVXSC0UTFgQPtt88a60xrXSTAXOV-4g1tmSByD6XXSJNjw0_VYw56BdoiU6VSkunv-XoIFv-JpjNvGCQlFZJXaiLyBkI8yulGAEj5Hc24mbEdetBj1lEI78ShDgOF9F7l59816e/s442/the+characters.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="88" data-original-width="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcuwPfJVXSC0UTFgQPtt88a60xrXSTAXOV-4g1tmSByD6XXSJNjw0_VYw56BdoiU6VSkunv-XoIFv-JpjNvGCQlFZJXaiLyBkI8yulGAEj5Hc24mbEdetBj1lEI78ShDgOF9F7l59816e/s320/the+characters.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I say this in every review I write: the characters make or break a book for me. I can look past just about everything when it comes to a book - mediocre written, poor dialogue, and a somewhat lacking plot - except the characters. Seeing as Nicholas Sparks’ books are romance novels with an intense focus on characters, it's imperative that I can connect to the characters in order to thoroughly enjoy his books. All the characters in this book felt two-dimensional and bland. I don't feel like I got to actually know any of them, and what I did get to know was often superficial and distinctly lacking in depth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Trevor, the main character, isn't terrible. He goes out of his way to help one of the secondary characters in the book and he has a keen desire to help people, but he also would say several things that had me internally cringing. Mainly one-liners that could've been humorous but fell quite flat - mainly because it made him come across as a flirt, a charmer and a bit of a playboy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Natalie, the love interest, was quite unlikable in my opinion. For one she was way too secretive and mysterious. She barely offered any information about herself <i>ever </i>which Trevor clearly found riveting but I found it tedious. Try reading conversations where the other person offers little to no information about themselves. It gets exhausting and quickly. Secondly, she just wasn't a great person and I have a serious problem with how she was painted as this incredible woman when she made decisions that were hurtful and disloyal. She also completely lied to Trevor and despite seeing how attracted he was to her, she did nothing to stop it in its tracks when she knew she couldn't commit to him. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u>SPOILERS START</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Natalie was a married woman. Her husband was in vegetative state after contracting a severe form of meningitis for around a year. So because she was lonely and felt like she was stuck in limbo, she decided to give into Trevor's flirting and begin dating him. And he thinks nothing of it? He tells her she's an incredible woman and doesn't bat an eyelid that the woman he apparently loves has just cheated on her husband who is in a coma?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If there's something I abhor in books it's dishonesty and infidelity. The fact that Natalie was a married woman who was having an affair with Trevor while her husband was in a coma is honestly terrible. Marriage is complete loyalty and dedication in sickness and in health, and I hated that the sacred nature of marriage was completely disregarded. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u>SPOILERS END</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuqlEJEL1jxwvCfM41Hw8RYfhfsKg_YBk61cHLozxb9P1XNhjflYRGBZZ9-ua-1LLH11QDTpwrpeok9VH4TIQ9_vetPkUEN61Eol4Q2VQPjw8L1QPIzAmCrxzR61GYyUqcJ5kKk5H5EMJ/s2048/55DEAA56-F6DD-4B38-B13B-12720A8972D4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuqlEJEL1jxwvCfM41Hw8RYfhfsKg_YBk61cHLozxb9P1XNhjflYRGBZZ9-ua-1LLH11QDTpwrpeok9VH4TIQ9_vetPkUEN61Eol4Q2VQPjw8L1QPIzAmCrxzR61GYyUqcJ5kKk5H5EMJ/w640-h480/55DEAA56-F6DD-4B38-B13B-12720A8972D4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There weren't many other characters in the story, except for Callie, the mysterious teenage girl who is somehow linked to Trevor's father who had just passed away. Callie's story was a subplot interwoven throughout this book, and it was much more intriguing than the main story itself. Again though, I couldn't connect to Callie much as she, like the others, wasn't written with much depth at all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4apD43PXi9nNeYpBDF5l_cvjx7GsOSykAgWYLIoiKlEZhHwt43-s25krFz4oNnJSxLKr2zxFPrl_uoiwdc5DVG0fEVlHOBerB1s3Rj5ySd7TPupdh3aIXPZJ1LDnFQrK7tNcTM6zIiyo/s366/the+romance.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="96" data-original-width="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha4apD43PXi9nNeYpBDF5l_cvjx7GsOSykAgWYLIoiKlEZhHwt43-s25krFz4oNnJSxLKr2zxFPrl_uoiwdc5DVG0fEVlHOBerB1s3Rj5ySd7TPupdh3aIXPZJ1LDnFQrK7tNcTM6zIiyo/s320/the+romance.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdOfaV_77VZ35CF8p2v1ySZtuFPlL4M_WAisZGe-sAI6njvMk8CZBif3FnB2HU9hId0U8XIcgatO_WTOH8f9hEWxKxyHsrPkckLI-9FnA2kOH302bHj_J_1GvpCp3efhx0UzVUOsB6rrc/s364/Stitch.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdOfaV_77VZ35CF8p2v1ySZtuFPlL4M_WAisZGe-sAI6njvMk8CZBif3FnB2HU9hId0U8XIcgatO_WTOH8f9hEWxKxyHsrPkckLI-9FnA2kOH302bHj_J_1GvpCp3efhx0UzVUOsB6rrc/s320/Stitch.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The romance had me very nearly knocking my head against a wall. It was insta-love at its finest (worst?). When Trevor said those three words to Natalie I was so confused. Was I missing something? Was there a large section of the book I had skipped over (there wasn't)? They literally want on two dates and then were declaring their love for each other. These two had virtually no chemistry and theirs conversations were basically centred on bee-keeping and Natalie evading Trevor's blatant attempts at flirting. Trevor was also just a complete idiot when it came to Natalie, if I can be so blunt as to say. She was initially trying to evade contact which should've been enough for Trevor to back away and then when he found out she was already in a committed relationship, he shouldn't have been so blinded as to think she was such an incredible person. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I don't even really know what more to say on the romance because it was honestly ridiculous, shallow, and unrealistic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzG0K-cPBzF8R5dmL64WBecYXijij7qGdKcnisrIdkGhrTbw4t6nxVIEsJU_8tKMbAQOb_MaGNC6bld3PhKxvcFMydc79qaNTywapAoei5i6s4jROP8iz3X7kP5EwdHwgnydYQAFnI-fR/s385/the+writing.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="112" data-original-width="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzG0K-cPBzF8R5dmL64WBecYXijij7qGdKcnisrIdkGhrTbw4t6nxVIEsJU_8tKMbAQOb_MaGNC6bld3PhKxvcFMydc79qaNTywapAoei5i6s4jROP8iz3X7kP5EwdHwgnydYQAFnI-fR/s320/the+writing.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUI8PkOuKYit4N7t9Z8VyFNOLlNqiwxR_Zb6lkIsxAxX96PqHVRAdolmzxiF9arwpVSSV0FPnTl1ZZ0dHFxVdIWX5VV_1iBk4jbO4Id6H3JRemNADdPOXjnEN_ENDoq1iH5F7almTiC3g3/s498/yzma-annoyed-gif.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="292" data-original-width="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUI8PkOuKYit4N7t9Z8VyFNOLlNqiwxR_Zb6lkIsxAxX96PqHVRAdolmzxiF9arwpVSSV0FPnTl1ZZ0dHFxVdIWX5VV_1iBk4jbO4Id6H3JRemNADdPOXjnEN_ENDoq1iH5F7almTiC3g3/s320/yzma-annoyed-gif.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sigh. The writing wasn't great either. It was filled with mundane and unnecessary details that felt like a way for the author to fill the book with words instead of with actual substance that could further develop the plot and the characters. It was very much filled with unnecessary information about the characters choosing what to eat and what to do next. The dialogue felt so unnatural and wooden, more like something of an interview than a natural conversation between two people. Trevor would also just lay bare his whole life story from the beginning. There were no subtle ways of getting to know him. It was all just told directly to the reader. I much prefer it when an author shows and doesn't tell. Pretty much all the writing in this book was the author telling and not showing which made the book seem overly simple too. Perhaps that's what also prevented me from getting lost in the story: the writing was quite dry and almost acted like a barrier to getting to the actual story. I was very disappointed with the writing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNToLn66ccmSZr2_T-viPxjgKjt0m73YhRHL1dni-FiGaLiS4OHl8mVfNB3zL7mZW34sccNTBYBbaZ6GgJLKMFgDmKIWaB1Uxn0gRP9Uk6u6iF0WSdP-5rqPA7JuM0zmYJ2_Xo85CZ7RCZ/s390/what+i+loved.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="94" data-original-width="390" height="77" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNToLn66ccmSZr2_T-viPxjgKjt0m73YhRHL1dni-FiGaLiS4OHl8mVfNB3zL7mZW34sccNTBYBbaZ6GgJLKMFgDmKIWaB1Uxn0gRP9Uk6u6iF0WSdP-5rqPA7JuM0zmYJ2_Xo85CZ7RCZ/w320-h77/what+i+loved.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><img border="0" data-original-height="115" data-original-width="347" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmUz-lt9lhUjcsl2-NaJtk7yc4zF8mDJ-zS6Q5lRnMaDpJR9aFIWX_T7vnJxKEXwrSkrTlY7UI12yLKUSdg5Nw9pieinqsNAiPqqZgojh57aZqKAjpneez58EUznS9DJ_sHxL_ccR7M0B/w200-h66/the+plot.PNG" width="200" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The one thing that had me invested in the book was the plot and the setting. Despite all my qualms with this book, I felt very much transported when reading it. I know when I read some reviews people weren't impressed with the amount of beekeeping talk that was present in the book, but I found it quite interesting and it didn't detract from the story. I really enjoyed the mystery surrounding Trevor's grandfather's connection with Callie and I think that was probably the main thing that kept me committed to finishing the story. It wasn't the most astounding or gripping plot, but it was interesting enough. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also loved the setting, and that's probably the thing I love most about a Nicholas Sparks book. They're usually set in sleepy southern states near the beach. They usually have a relaxed holiday vibe to them which makes me feel like I've taken a holiday without having to go anywhere. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-k9AE5AtThcOD1cIzN96yN2t-7BAyhysqNwLyVxstAJ-6zrehI6o4IyycgQaGTXDIWesSHuh9ShVmxUyC_HF1Sxpym1TJzBV6LTghSeJk-hoHJheZm5hMpnfprR96rVIFXi1lX0fDW0n/s2048/59910897-8A62-4121-AA02-C43AAB2F1613.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb-k9AE5AtThcOD1cIzN96yN2t-7BAyhysqNwLyVxstAJ-6zrehI6o4IyycgQaGTXDIWesSHuh9ShVmxUyC_HF1Sxpym1TJzBV6LTghSeJk-hoHJheZm5hMpnfprR96rVIFXi1lX0fDW0n/s320/59910897-8A62-4121-AA02-C43AAB2F1613.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>The Return by Nicholas Sparks was a book I was expecting to fall in love with, but the usual magic found in his books was noticeably missing. With underdeveloped characters, stilted dialogue, an unbelievable romance and overly simple writing I was left sorely disappointed. The Return's saving grace was its fairly interesting plot and vivid setting that transported me to a small town in North Carolina. The other aspects of this book were very disappointing. </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>I give it: 2.5/5 cupcakes</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGeeHpR6WsuMpJUjt6sW0SFV9zqYNO8SQ42Ul2EmSUwcwLkAMpKl-ft2Vjg3ynw7JPoTwdr8Zv6rwzuqAmWLp5CYJCgrhWCjgRp2EMID40j0nqHQbOtMqLumpvf2RJy-gtfQuhzkI6i10/s411/2.5+cupcakes.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="411" height="54" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuGeeHpR6WsuMpJUjt6sW0SFV9zqYNO8SQ42Ul2EmSUwcwLkAMpKl-ft2Vjg3ynw7JPoTwdr8Zv6rwzuqAmWLp5CYJCgrhWCjgRp2EMID40j0nqHQbOtMqLumpvf2RJy-gtfQuhzkI6i10/w96-h54/2.5+cupcakes.png" width="96" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08208972644763001755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987920454791620682.post-28650692488964806072021-06-10T12:30:00.004+01:002021-06-10T12:30:56.502+01:00Life update: I'm back! <p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfxHREb70Mahh0cjMr4UhMzGMSDhLB8cvUwPXAFmcuujRH2P0PIGOul8wTZrggXqNmTpSjFmZDvSGFLEeu-Q7z1mch_3oBZqOXZxWFgJbLPYvpzLd51CuzFY2gn1BeiG7DvdvNzhI1fO0/s1920/I%2527m.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfxHREb70Mahh0cjMr4UhMzGMSDhLB8cvUwPXAFmcuujRH2P0PIGOul8wTZrggXqNmTpSjFmZDvSGFLEeu-Q7z1mch_3oBZqOXZxWFgJbLPYvpzLd51CuzFY2gn1BeiG7DvdvNzhI1fO0/w640-h360/I%2527m.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hello,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope you guys are well! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I haven't blogged in <i>ages</i> (literally since last year October. Oops). As you probably know, I started my first year as an astrophysics undergraduate last year which has been incredibly challenging but rewarding. I finished my final exam last Friday and I'm looking forward to having some time off! I've barely read and certainly haven't been reviewing, so I'm really looking forward to doing that again and catching up with all I've missed in the blogging community! ⭐</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can't quite believe first year is over. There have been wonderful aspects and stressful aspects. I've finally started studying a subject I've been fascinated by since I was thirteen; I've met some lovely people; I met my boyfriend who is wonderful, and I've learnt how to do maths, physics and coding that I've never done before. However, there have also been a lot of difficulties this year, some of them still ongoing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've had an ongoing battle with Student Finance England. It's a <i>verrryyy </i>long story but basically due to me not getting my indefinite leave to remain on the 4th of September and not on the 1st of September (the delay <i>only </i>due to COVID-19), they don't want to fund my degree. It's so frustrating as I'm basically being penalised over something I had no control over. I did everything to get my ILR in time but due to the government closing offices and suspending services, I only managed to get my ILR after the 1st of September. It's a massive injustice and we've sent in three appeals, we've gone to the press and we've had to involve a solicitor. I'm praying that this will be resolved soon otherwise there are severe implications involving me having to pay for the first year and then having to withdraw from my course, restart a <i>new</i> course, and start first year all over again because if I pay privately for first year, Student Finance England won't fund the subsequent years of my degree. It's been so stressful and such a battle, and I'm really praying we'll able to get this resolved soon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also had a sad ending to my first year after receiving news that my lab partner had passed away a couple of days before. It was so shocking and I'm deeply saddened by it. Although we didn't socialise outside of university, we spent almost every Tuesday together doing lab work, so it's been a very upsetting week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Despite all the battles this year, I'm so grateful that God has sustained me through this. I've managed to keep my part-time job throughout the academic year, I've managed to pass all the coursework and exams (so far - I haven't received my summer exam results yet!) and despite all the stress and uncertainty of the year, my anxiety and panic attacks have been manageable for the most part. The Lord has been so with me throughout all of this and there's no way I would've managed to get through this year without His strength and grace.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm really looking forward to reading so many books this summer, writing all the reviews, and catching up with you all! x<br /></div><p></p>Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08208972644763001755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987920454791620682.post-81179868923262138022020-10-27T20:36:00.000+00:002020-10-27T20:36:02.774+00:00Life Update: I'm finally an astrophysics student! 💫<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyM1NLi5JSe7pgSnvzQ05lN0bpJekk0Ey4-fjTXDhIi5qTooxtTSqa1PLvUXX2ldpzdGjVu4LIDBP-Mgapk8ooZDPt142pDvNao53YKYCFJGHjMYEVn6FrXnS_1dZ77KjsZgvT0izq3PWa/s2048/Update.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyM1NLi5JSe7pgSnvzQ05lN0bpJekk0Ey4-fjTXDhIi5qTooxtTSqa1PLvUXX2ldpzdGjVu4LIDBP-Mgapk8ooZDPt142pDvNao53YKYCFJGHjMYEVn6FrXnS_1dZ77KjsZgvT0izq3PWa/w704-h396/Update.png" width="704" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"> Hello everyone! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Wow, I am <i>so sorry</i>. It has been an absolute age since I've posted anything. Life has become very, very busy! August through to September was a complete hassle trying to sort out home fee status for me so I could finally start studying. There was a lot of miscommunication, misinformation, phone calls and letter writing. It was very stressful and I am very glad that it's over! </p><p style="text-align: center;">After all the stress of not knowing whether or not I was actually going to be able to study this year, my fee status was finally changed from international to home (yay!!!). I can happily say I am <i>finally</i> studying physics with astrophysics, which has been my dream since I was 12/13-years-old. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFivn0uPDYY2jAv9oso_2wFa-CAGvpFaZTsha_Tky588XnNgtUN5_DztlthS9G1fWE_K1yC6RsYYJ_tRpLMjZgY-8E7p-F0aiz_kv6qPeeYAcvoG2ifU4wyVxZYIXf5IiiRriZ1n6apix/s1087/DDEAB254-7028-4C85-8D79-F7FA3FF13E7A_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="1087" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwFivn0uPDYY2jAv9oso_2wFa-CAGvpFaZTsha_Tky588XnNgtUN5_DztlthS9G1fWE_K1yC6RsYYJ_tRpLMjZgY-8E7p-F0aiz_kv6qPeeYAcvoG2ifU4wyVxZYIXf5IiiRriZ1n6apix/w502-h299/DDEAB254-7028-4C85-8D79-F7FA3FF13E7A_1_201_a.jpeg" width="502" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">I'm in my fourth week now and I'm really enjoying it. It's a lot of work, it's stressful, it's challenging, but ultimately very rewarding. I'm still living at home, but my parents and I are looking for a place nearer to the university to move to. I'm commuting at the moment as most of the stuff is online (save for labs and a tutorial each week), so at the moment it makes more sense to commute in! </p><p style="text-align: center;">I'm really enjoying the content of the course. The maths is quite different to what I did at A-level; it's quite theoretical and really delves deep into the maths. It's not merely a case of using formulas and equations any more, but cultivating a deep understanding behind the maths you're doing. I'm also doing an astrophysics module which I'm LOVING. I'm currently learning about meteorites, finding the age of the Earth and how the moon affects the tides. We've also covered actual rocket science (!!!), the solar system, Kepler's laws of motion and Newton's laws of motion too - as well as other things!</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCra7YqkhCXkpIaAMfh9bQ_zG8AL8IgwAkX9iBhHmQVaX_iRGSXKtfj-hso5dmXGtCZmw7OJfLkATKQa2aesLfxYx6j8MoNjM6EWGjt4Ui9MtHf-WWLBsosemJzDoFW5mKmlpjAsxpZxwB/s750/5A5D7108-DC2D-453D-859E-16DCB7B28C0A.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="750" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCra7YqkhCXkpIaAMfh9bQ_zG8AL8IgwAkX9iBhHmQVaX_iRGSXKtfj-hso5dmXGtCZmw7OJfLkATKQa2aesLfxYx6j8MoNjM6EWGjt4Ui9MtHf-WWLBsosemJzDoFW5mKmlpjAsxpZxwB/w512-h288/5A5D7108-DC2D-453D-859E-16DCB7B28C0A.jpeg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I also have to spend 3-4 hours a week in labs. I loved them at A-level but not having the best time now, to be honest. It's a massive jump and I am quite confused most of the time, but hopefully I'll get to grips with it all soon! <p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> I'll probably be writing up a couple of study/university-related posts over the next couple of months. Although I still love reading, I just don't have as much time for it anymore. There will still be book reviews on here and some bookish posts, but quite a lot of life updates and uni posts too! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Super excited to share the next part of my journey with you all! 💜</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08208972644763001755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987920454791620682.post-60126074794827372072020-05-14T00:00:00.000+01:002020-05-14T00:00:09.408+01:00How the Pandemic Has Affected my Reading and How Reading Has Helped<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's interesting how the pandemic is affecting us all differently. Some people are enjoying the lockdown and others are struggling. Some people find themselves able to do a lot at the moment, whereas others are struggling with motivation. I've noticed it's the same with reading - some people are reading all the things, but the stress and anxiety of the pandemic is making it difficult for other people to concentrate on a book.</div>
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Personally, I've been reading more than I ever have before, which I'm surprised by. In the past, when I was stressed or anxious, I would struggle to focus on a book because I was too distracted by the worries racing through my head and the heart palpitations in my chest. BUT, for some reason, despite the stress and anxiety, I've been reading more than ever before.</div>
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Why?</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Because this time around, reading is a coping mechanism. </span></b><br />
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I am loving reading at the moment and it's helping me cope with all that's happening in the world. For the duration I'm reading, I'm not inhabiting <i>my</i> world. I'm not thinking about <i>my </i>problems. I'm in Narnia or Middle Earth; I'm not me, but a secret agent or a princess or whatever. Reading allows me to take a break from worrying about everything that's happening, even for a little while.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75PI7-CYn8ltvlwwNxXQHTFqHKpLlQpd90w83SapKz0JfdK48Gkp1o4hbfZtnUceBH4zciKfkRGgSIdxaZpwOz3chZLXPIRDRU3DXa4p5bs6RIoPIV0WX8Q1ul5r7z-cmmDBTGADXys7c/s1600/es.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="549" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75PI7-CYn8ltvlwwNxXQHTFqHKpLlQpd90w83SapKz0JfdK48Gkp1o4hbfZtnUceBH4zciKfkRGgSIdxaZpwOz3chZLXPIRDRU3DXa4p5bs6RIoPIV0WX8Q1ul5r7z-cmmDBTGADXys7c/s1600/es.PNG" /></a><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Reading leads to other things that I love.</span></b><br />
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You know what else reading leads to? Blogging. Bookstagram. Interacting with the bookish community. One of the things I've found so incredible about reading, and books in general, is how it can lead to so many other hobbies and social interactions that wouldn't have happened otherwise. I've always loved writing, and blogging allows me to write about things I love. I was never really into photography, but reading led me to bookstagram. Without blogging, without <i>books</i>, I never would've made the friends I have. So not only does actual reading itself make me feel better, but it leads to other things wherein I've found something I love.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Reading feels familiar.</span></b><br />
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Reading is something I've been doing since I was five years old. Throughout my life, books have been my constant companion. Books, for a large part of my life, have been something that defined me. Books are where I have found solitude, tranquility, and understanding, and when times are turbulent, it is to books that I return. I suppose, books are tied up in my identity, and by reading, I feel grounded and secure.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Reading helps me feel understood.</span></b><br />
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I think one of the reasons people love reading is how a book makes us feel understood.<br />
Perhaps that is why people have been drawn to apocalyptic/pandemic books - it helps us make sense of the world we're in. Even non-apocalyptic books feature characters who are struggling with feelings we're experiencing, be it anxiety, stress, anger, denial, and it's in the voicing of these feelings that we feel a balm against the wounded state of minds.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Reading teaches me</b></span></div>
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I love how reading teaches me. Sure, it can teach useful things like how to cook or write a book. Some of my favourite books have taught me to hold on to hope and to stay courageous, to accept anger, sadness, and fear for what it is, and not run from it.</div>
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<b>Books are wonderful teachers and constant companions. </b></div>
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<b>How has the pandemic affected your reading? </b></div>
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Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08208972644763001755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987920454791620682.post-77133792874192027792020-05-09T17:17:00.004+01:002020-05-09T17:17:49.000+01:00Another Saturday, another book haul!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello everyone!</div>
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I hope you are well and that you've had a good week. My week hasn't been great, but I'm hoping it will get better next week. I also have a virtual interview with a university next week which I'm <i>kind</i> of terrified for! I've been doing lots of maths to prepare for the test, but I'm not really sure what it's going to entail?!</div>
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Haaalp.</div>
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I haven't read as much as I would've liked this week BUT I have bought quite a few books<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> (it's an unhealthy coping mechanism shh). </span>To be fair, pretty much all of them are 99p or free! 💃</div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOl6Ag-iDkp47-27OadiDQNCHuLt9AcppkH9I1tf57lAuoAXrg9PwGANS3oxrAAfmnrq9Tmc3hnvRYw407f_x52utPUldVEN8l4-WV4fB3vFAhoL9j8rOGvjAj_yDzkS9rHjXWQ5cDHpW/s1600/boughtt.PNG" /></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40732275-twice-magic"><img alt="Twice Magic (The Wizards of Once #2)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1530886812l/40732275._SY475_.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28110852-the-girl-who-drank-the-moon?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=ItcOsxIr5E&rank=1"><img alt="The Girl Who Drank the Moon" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1485376116l/28110852._SY475_.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25365683-demelza?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=pcvxvssOH6&rank=2"><img alt="Demelza (Poldark, #2)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1429123814l/25365683.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32200595-a-conjuring-of-light"><img alt="A Conjuring of Light (Shades of Magic, #3)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1500032832l/32200595._SY475_.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39934901-the-last-chance-hotel?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=tvmDd9Q44O&rank=1"><img alt="The Last Chance Hotel (Seth Seppi Mystery, #1)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1542211530l/39934901._SY475_.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="129" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51196157-the-girl-with-space-in-her-heart?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=OsUSujgbPQ&rank=1"><img alt="The Girl with Space in Her Heart" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1566425369l/51196157._SX318_SY475_.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="130" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32443.The_Eyes_of_Darkness?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=ywqN8Bbcek&rank=1"><img alt="The Eyes of Darkness" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1328218196l/32443.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="124" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61975.Dragonflight?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=hZ1aNaD34T&rank=1"><img alt="Dragonflight (Dragonriders of Pern, #1)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388182243l/61975.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21853621-the-nightingale?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=zEFUeFlaZP&rank=1"><img alt="The Nightingale" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1451446316l/21853621.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="129" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1858013.The_Reason_for_God"><img alt="The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1349003628l/6400856.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="130" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19442872-the-knowledge-of-the-holy"><img alt="The Knowledge of the Holy" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1386944956l/19442872.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="150" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/915535.The_Pursuit_of_God"><img alt="The Pursuit of God: The Human Thirst for the Divine" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1347256594l/915535.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="126" /></a></div>
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Quite a mix of books this week! I adore middle-grade books. They're lighthearted and make me feel <i>happy</i>. I also bought the second<i> Poldark</i> book as I have the first one out from the library, and I'd like to read the series. </div>
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I also bought <i>The Eyes of Darkness</i> as I've been keen to read pandemic/virus books lately. I was very disappointed. It felt like a badly written supernatural horror - not what I was expecting. </div>
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I also bought <i>The Nightingale</i> after reading all the rave reviews for it. It's going to break my heart so I won't read it <i>yet. </i></div>
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I also bought a few Christian books lately. The good thing about the current situation in is that we start to realise our own mortality and that not every day is guaranteed. It puts our attention on more important things. I'm hoping these books will help me grow closer to Jesus in my walk with Him.</div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTTj2KTxSWJIPTUtc6gne5yNMk06rjCXTAygUXmj-0s0V4Uc9qL6XZPGT8jS7k3_EsWwK1upm_GOof1UYuUzOIs3-FzyBmxadOogqPYAtw90xsfoFzK0f6J9xuuuMGQRy_tkt8_mMeo-U/s320/library+books.PNG" /></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35715518-crown-of-feathers?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=jSb7JJAxPL&rank=1"><img alt="Crown of Feathers (Crown of Feathers, #1)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1527608982l/35715518.jpg" width="132" /></a><img alt="Earth Swarm" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1560795453l/49408165._SX318_SY475_.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="130" /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39988431-the-kingdom-of-copper?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=GI23x10TY6&rank=1"><img alt="The Kingdom of Copper (The Daevabad Trilogy, #2)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1533921102l/39988431._SY475_.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="130" /></a></div>
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Ooh, pretteh. Even though my physical library is inaccessible at the moment due to lockdown, I'm making good use of its digital resources. I've heard such good things about <i>Crown of Feathers</i>. <i>Earth Swarm</i> sounds very interesting, and I have <i>City of Brass </i>next to my bed waiting to be read so I'd like to read the sequel next! </div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTW6DL9U03m7bGfhqAR2bmkbA95ekOcv_aUeXr4XWVIpo7JuOFWDr11WZcPkqknfMPM1aGacFKNxX71lchvLDc1ucs2U1qKxdd6MtDV_XdXDCnXxRCb6QCOHQS2nj0PBL2a-klCzMqtBaw/s200/Earcs+autum+tbr.PNG" /></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46123742-the-strangeworlds-travel-agency?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=vCDJYqrbL6&rank=1"><img alt="The Strangeworlds Travel Agency" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1579194289l/46123742.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52790901-wonderscape?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=LuZUshegCZ&rank=1"><img alt="Wonderscape" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1585759947l/52790901._SY475_.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="130" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33973264-the-court-of-miracles?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=O2pNtGE4Pa&rank=1"><img alt="The Court of Miracles (Court of Miracles, #1)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1572030189l/33973264.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51838643-the-unadoptables?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=gcIJ7iDZRm&rank=1"><img alt="The Unadoptables" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1583882431l/51838643._SX318_.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="142" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46216773-10-things-i-hate-about-pinky?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=NE0DiZha1s&rank=1"><img alt="10 Things I Hate About Pinky (Dimple and Rishi, #3)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1571935198l/46216773._SY475_.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="132" /></a></div>
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I'm so thankful to the publishers for sending me these books in exchange for an honest review! I'm so excited for the three middle-grade books and Sandhya Menon's new book. <i>The Court of Miracles</i> sounds amazing too! </div>
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<b>What books did you add to your TBR this week? Have you read any of these or are you looking forward to reading any of them?</b></div>
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Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08208972644763001755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987920454791620682.post-13246630936911955332020-05-05T20:18:00.000+01:002020-05-05T20:18:17.299+01:00What I've Been Reading - I read a lot of books!!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I don't even know who I am right now but I got back from a jog. AN ACTUAL JOG. I started the Couch to 5K programme which I'm really excited about! I workout 4-5 times a week (mainly pilates with some cardio thrown in), but I've wanted to try jogging as a way to improve my endurance and reduce stress. My mental health has been in a bad way the past two weeks because I'm just stuck in my head <i>constantly</i>, so I'm hoping this will be a good release.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimk5LYB4tJpl12s3LOwYTHrNDNtk1XsJ9TcOYT5rU1ntL-xJZ5EES4W0SSd8eBXCBnyfRtMglmKIP6Dxk_OMUZpp-dImgYd_VLIXbt5-tmGx0fxmxc2fBgFI5Uwfe9HTexuYJJuFJU97r0/s1600/What+i+read.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimk5LYB4tJpl12s3LOwYTHrNDNtk1XsJ9TcOYT5rU1ntL-xJZ5EES4W0SSd8eBXCBnyfRtMglmKIP6Dxk_OMUZpp-dImgYd_VLIXbt5-tmGx0fxmxc2fBgFI5Uwfe9HTexuYJJuFJU97r0/s1600/What+i+read.PNG" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13020402-the-great-unexpected"><img alt="The Great Unexpected" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1347592192l/13020402.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24746504-the-ruby-in-the-smoke"><img alt="The Ruby in the Smoke (Sally Lockhart, #1)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1422538618l/24746504.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="137" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1331682.Beezus_and_Ramona"><img alt="Beezus and Ramona" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1356352755l/1331682.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="134" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12405172-whatever-love-is"><img alt="Whatever Love Is (21st century Austen, #6)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1334439134l/12405172.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="136" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35403058-city-of-ghosts"><img alt="City of Ghosts (Cassidy Blake, #1)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1516638225l/35403058._SY475_.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7111609-eyes-of-darkness"><img alt="Eyes of Darkness" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1355849323l/7111609.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="150" /></a></div>
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<b>The Great Unexpected - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐ | The Ruby in the Smoke - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐ | Beezus & Ramona - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐ | Whatever Love Is? - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐ | City of Ghosts - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐ | The Eyes of Darkness - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b></div>
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Yep, I read a <i>lot</i> last week. I thought I was going to reach my April goal of 20 books so I read Beezus and Ramona, and Whatever Love Is? as they're both fairly short books. I really enjoyed The Great Unexpected - it was SO cute. I listened to the audiobook and I loved the narrator's southern accent. </div>
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I also really enjoyed City of Ghosts and A Ruby in the Smoke. They were both thrilling reads that I thoroughly enjoyed! </div>
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I was really disappointed with The Eyes of Darkness. I thought I was getting a pandemic book but instead I got a semi-horror paranormal romance thing. I was not happy.</div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJsEMu_HGGYSgxvpPA_Gz45ByZQpuVpabm-TK15X1S0CALVlBJONp45eZrIklfHzbWRtAMZmDoE1udiUR8mU2Wq8MxOdimPC-jUUbSOmhPcvWk0OQKJE-vV-V0tTPpSCQr_HcrcQjmPmz/s320/what+im+reading.PNG" /></div>
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<img alt="Olivia Twist" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1505317397l/34817232.jpg" width="130" /><img alt="Tomorrow" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1520503039l/39080508._SY475_.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="124" /></div>
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I'm not really enjoying <i>Olivia Twist </i>as much as I thought I would. I've actually put it down for a couple of days to read other things. I'm just not getting along with the characters that much. I also started <i>Tomorrow</i> which sounded SO good...I'm enjoying it but it's pretty slow. MEH.</div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6NsYF2Rhll7sqW4-jGUGRs5GuvVBcHx-zchLlUJlZRFFKBO6O-KyntoRX-RO4hirdv0bR57CHvB7bnEZRHIKyndHY5EyBtao0x9lB0j0PQN58_6We9nSosGHW84Ph5fWLaL5QzFsTVRG/s200/wn.PNG" /></div>
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<img alt="The Wizards of Once (The Wizards of Once #1)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1488558872l/34455798._SY475_.jpg" width="133" /></div>
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I loved Cressida Cowell's other books so I'm hoping I love this too!!</div>
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<b>What books did you read last week?</b></div>
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Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08208972644763001755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987920454791620682.post-75687715658910092172020-05-01T19:10:00.001+01:002020-05-01T19:10:43.301+01:00April Wrap-Up and March TBR Pile! 🌻<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTFxq93YioWqFrAD336Uv3tLCcHVqFtfLyltlgIdeTH-i4slAlwYhf5EVnifa9vDHfBlNEd38FWq8H4g3Zzaprfh6ESnccBzCY8cgtZK1wVgo8Kl6Ru1PSnGkezsTioVq7_c7XXZUNZMh/s640/Monthly+Wrap-Up%2526TBR+Pile.png" width="640" /></div>
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Wow. Where is time <i>going</i>? We're 1/3 through the year already, which is <i>crazy</i>. Time has been weird lately? The days feel really long but time is also going by so fast...it's quite confuzzling.</div>
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How has your April been? I hope it's been well and that you are all safe and healthy.</div>
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I returned to work last week, and it was fine. People kept their distance and it was nice being able to talk to people again! </div>
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My anxiety has been <i>suuuuper</i> bad lately though. It's been making me feel quite unwell, which isn't ideal. But here's hoping that May will be better. 💘</div>
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I don't really have much to say about April, except that the weather was lovely a lot of the time, I was busy with packing, exercising, reading, maths, and baking. Who knew quarantine could be so busy? </div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39723444-the-truth-about-lies"><img alt="The Truth About Lies" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1532939853l/39723444.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43885673-10-blind-dates"><img alt="10 Blind Dates" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1553102132l/43885673.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40944762-chosen-ones"><img alt="Chosen Ones (The Chosen Ones, #1)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1570379053l/40944762._SY475_.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24685472-angel-dares"><img alt="Angel Dares (Benedicts, #5)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1427979498l/24685472.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30937720-summer-shadows"><img alt="Summer Shadows (FINDING SKY)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1467846022l/30937720._SY475_.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35648195-the-note"><img alt="The Note (The Note, #1)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1506041306l/35648195._SY475_.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34105139-love-luck"><img alt="Love & Luck" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1489453033l/34105139._SY475_.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10153731-stormswept"><img alt="Stormswept" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1329669872l/10153731.jpg" width="128" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38734256-sherwood"><img alt="Sherwood" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1523288337l/38734256.jpg" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30312855-the-last-magician"><img alt="The Last Magician (The Last Magician, #1)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1468598919l/30312855._SX318_.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26627343-one-silver-summer"><img alt="One Silver Summer" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1442509553l/26627343.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34227670-a-taxonomy-of-love"><img alt="A Taxonomy of Love" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1492747060l/34227670.jpg" width="135" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26032912-the-queen-of-nothing"><img alt="The Queen of Nothing (The Folk of the Air, #3)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1553624975l/26032912._SY475_.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36581512-shell"><img alt="Shell" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1510494293l/36581512._SY475_.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13020402-the-great-unexpected"><img alt="The Great Unexpected" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1347592192l/13020402.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24746504-the-ruby-in-the-smoke"><img alt="The Ruby in the Smoke (Sally Lockhart, #1)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1422538618l/24746504.jpg" width="137" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1331682.Beezus_and_Ramona"><img alt="Beezus and Ramona" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1356352755l/1331682.jpg" width="134" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12405172-whatever-love-is"><img alt="Whatever Love Is (21st century Austen, #6)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1334439134l/12405172.jpg" width="136" /></a></div>
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<b>The Truth About Lies - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐ | 10 Blind Dates - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐.5 | Chosen Ones - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐.5 | Angel Dares - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐ | Summer Shadows - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐ | The Note - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐ | Love & Luck - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐.5 | Stormswept - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐ | Sherwood - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐ | The Last Magician - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐ | One Silver Summer - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐ | A Taxonomy of Love - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐ | The Queen of Nothing - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐ | Shell - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; 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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lora"; font-size: 16px;">I'M SO ANNOYED WITH MYSELF. My goal was to read 20 books this month, and I thought I <i>had</i> read 20 books, but then I realised I had counted two books from March. Le cry. Anyway, I'm so happy that I read 18 books! I haven't read that many in a LONG time. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lora"; font-size: 16px;">I had a lot of average reads this month, the majority being so, sadly. HOWEVER, I found a couple of favourites too. I absolutely LOVED <i>10 Blind Dates, The Chosen Ones, The Last Magician, Love & Luck, </i>and<i> A Taxonomy of Love. 10 Blind Dates </i>was SO CUTE and made me so happy. <i>The Chosen Ones</i> and I were off to a rocky start, but it's been almost a month and I still think about it. I just knew I was going to love <i>A Taxonomy of Love</i> and I SO did. I wasn't expecting to love <i>The Last Magician </i>as much as I did, but boy, it blew me away. I also wasn't expecting to love <i>Love & Luck </i>as much as I did. 😇</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "lora"; font-size: 16px;">My biggest disappointed was definitely <i>Queen of Nothing. </i>I had such high expectations and I was just so disappointed. It was so anticlimactic and quite boring at times. SADNESS.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35297469-starry-eyes"><img alt="Starry Eyes" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1497542946l/35297469.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32333174-want"><img alt="Want (Want, #1)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1497426506l/32333174._SY475_.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21936937-blackhearts"><img alt="Blackhearts (Blackhearts, #1)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1433468294l/21936937._SY475_.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="133" /></a></div>
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These are the free reads of the month on Riveted Lit that I really want to try to get to! I've heard good things about all of them, so I'm looking forward to reading it. </div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41433282-it-sounded-better-in-my-head?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=pXvbZ94jim&rank=1"><img alt="It Sounded Better in My Head" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1574282406l/41433282.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="127" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38580035-the-court-of-miracles"><img alt="The Court of Miracles (Court of Miracles, #1)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1579175463l/38580035._SY475_.jpg" width="129" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/52257262-goldilocks?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=HokxdoWqKt&rank=4"><img alt="Goldilocks" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1570099227l/52257262._SX318_SY475_.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="129" /></a></div>
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These are a few Netgalley books I want to read this month!</div>
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I have quite a few library books I still want to read and a few books I want to read before I donate them. 😃 The ones I definitely want to get to are <i>City of Brass, The Glittering Hour, The Similars, Beyond a Darkened Shore, The Wizards of Once, </i>and <i>The Burning Chambers. </i></div>
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<b>What books did you get to in April? What was the best book you read in April? What book are you most excited to read in May? Let's chat!</b></div>
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Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08208972644763001755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987920454791620682.post-17916093386101059042020-04-28T20:23:00.002+01:002020-04-28T20:23:58.735+01:00Top Ten Tuesday - My Childhood Favourites<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Hosted by <a href="http://www.thatartsyreadergirl.com/">That Artsy Reader Girl</a></span></div>
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I've slightly changed the topic for today. Instead of doing<span style="font-family: inherit;"> the topic <span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><i>Top Ten Books I Wish I’d Read As a Child, </i>I thought I'd do a post on the books that shaped my reading when I was a young'un. I'm a very nostalgic person and quite enjoy the odd trip down memory lane, so off we go! </span></span></div>
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<b>1. A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket</b></div>
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Our neighbour loaned me the first book to read when I was around five or six years old and I LOVED it. It was the first "proper" book I read and I devoured it. I read quite a few of these (whichever ones were available at my library or what my parents would buy me) but I don't think I ever read <i>all</i> of them. It's definitely something I want to do at some point! </div>
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<img alt="The Bad Beginning (A Series of Unfortunate Events, #1)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1436737029l/78411._SX318_.jpg" width="141" /><img alt="The Reptile Room (A Series of Unfortunate Events, #2)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1352146294l/78418.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="141" /><img alt="The Wide Window (A Series of Unfortunate Events, #3)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1518654331l/438492.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="141" /></div>
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<b>2. Matilda by Road Dahl</b></div>
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This remains one of my all-time favourite books, and it was the only book (prior to book blogging) that I read multiple times. I really want to read this again and remind myself why I loved it so much!</div>
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<img alt="Matilda" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1503316604l/109059._SY475_.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="130" /> </div>
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<b>3. The Secret Seven by Enid Blyton</b></div>
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I was a die-hard Enid Blyton fan when I was younger. The Secret Seven books were also some of the first books I ever read. My dad would go on business trips to India a lot when I was younger, and he would often bring me back Secret Seven books to read. These books made me want to be a detective (but then I got older and realised being a detective ain't for the fainthearted). </div>
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<img alt="The Secret Seven (The Secret Seven, #1)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1415581606l/17496.jpg" width="125" /><img alt="The Secret Seven Adventure (The Secret Seven, #2)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1415582629l/124675.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="123" /><img alt="Well Done, Secret Seven (The Secret Seven, #3)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388678597l/124671.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="118" /></div>
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<b>4. Adventures of the Wishing Chair by Enid Blyton</b></div>
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I was OBSESSED with this book. I loved how magical and whimsical it was. I truly felt like I was <i>in </i>the book when I read this. 💗</div>
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<img alt="Adventures of the Wishing Chair" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348521498l/480019.jpg" width="151" /></div>
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<b>5. Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan</b></div>
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I started reading these when I was twelve and I absolutely LOVED them. I have so many happy memories of reading this series. It's also the only series I've reread in its entirety. SO GOOD. SO MANY FEELS.</div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28187.The_Lightning_Thief?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=bLu5BlJ2su&rank=1"><img alt="The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #1)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1400602609l/28187.jpg" width="128" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28186.The_Sea_of_Monsters?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=bLu5BlJ2su&rank=3"><img alt="The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #2)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1400602661l/28186.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="133" /></a><img alt="The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #3)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1361038385l/561456.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="133" /></div>
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<b>6. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery</b></div>
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This is one of my favourite books ever!!! I absolutely adored Anne, the other characters, the story, the writing...it was all so perfect. I want to read the whole series at some point. I love, love, loveee this book! </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><b>7. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen Books</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">I had SO MANY of the Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen books. I used to binge-read them, and I'm pretty sure I used to read two or three of them a day. I sold my collection when I moved to England...it was a sad day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><img alt="The Case of the Game Show Mystery (The New Adventures of Mary-Kate and Ashley, #27)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1344206614l/1960660.jpg" width="132" /><img alt="The Case of the 202 Clues (The New Adventures of Mary-Kate & Ashley, #1)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1387716790l/996176.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" width="135" /><img alt="The Case of the Cheerleading Camp Mystery (The New Adventures of Mary-Kate & Ashley, #17)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1503531853l/1554786._SX318_.jpg" style="background-color: transparent;" width="135" /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><b>8. Rainbow Magic Series by Daisy Meadows</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">These books were EVERYWHERE when I was a kid. At the libraries, in my school, in bookstores...it was huge. I used to LOVE these (who doesn't love a good fairy book?) and this was also a series where I would read multiple books in one day.</span></span></div>
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<img alt="Ruby the Red Fairy (Rainbow Magic, #1)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388537291l/31486.jpg" width="122" /><img alt="Amber The Orange Fairy (Rainbow Magic, #2)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388266732l/366977.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="129" /><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/764167.Crystal_The_Snow_Fairy?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=FdPBsMpyDu&rank=3"><img alt="Crystal The Snow Fairy (Rainbow Magic #8; Weather Fairies, #1)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388200777l/764167.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="127" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><b>9. Michael Morpurgo's Books</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">I used to LOVE Michael Morpurgo's books! Except that one with the greyhound. That scarred me. ANYWHO, I read a lot of his books when I was younger. The Butterfly Lion? SO GOOD.</span></span></div>
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<img alt="War Horse (War Horse, #1)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1360677423l/792161.jpg" width="140" /><img alt="Private Peaceful" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1328868065l/1048645.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="132" /><img alt="The Butterfly Lion" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1409217640l/1518109.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="129" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><b>10. Cathy Cassidy's Books</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">I read most of Cathy Cassidy's books when I was younger. I absolutely ADORED them and she was definitely one of my favourite authors! I kind of want to read her new books, just to see if I still like them as much as I used to. </span></span></div>
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<img alt="Sundae Girl" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1347672275l/1213927.jpg" width="129" /><img alt="Driftwood" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1408923510l/348044.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="130" /><img alt="Marshmallow Skye (The Chocolate Box Girls, #2)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1310423138l/11389119.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="129" /></div>
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<b>Did any of these books play a part in your childhood? Do you plan on reading any of these now? What's one of your childhood favourites?</b></div>
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Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08208972644763001755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987920454791620682.post-48788318446479569622020-04-27T21:01:00.001+01:002020-04-27T21:01:18.859+01:00What I've Been Reading - Meh reads again!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello everyone!</div>
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I hope you guys are well.</div>
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I'm going back to work this Tuesday at my essential job. I've self-isolated longer due to my mom's underlying health condition, but now that the curve has started flattening I'm going to venture out! My mom sewed me a mask and I have gloves, so pray that it'll all be okay. </div>
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My anxiety has been pretty bad the past two weeks. As someone who gets very much stuck inside their head, sitting at home isn't the greatest thing for me. I didn't realise how much being at work helped distract me, so I am grateful that I can work tomorrow!</div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimk5LYB4tJpl12s3LOwYTHrNDNtk1XsJ9TcOYT5rU1ntL-xJZ5EES4W0SSd8eBXCBnyfRtMglmKIP6Dxk_OMUZpp-dImgYd_VLIXbt5-tmGx0fxmxc2fBgFI5Uwfe9HTexuYJJuFJU97r0/s1600/What+i+read.PNG" /></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26627343-one-silver-summer"><img alt="One Silver Summer" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1442509553l/26627343.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34227670-a-taxonomy-of-love"><img alt="A Taxonomy of Love" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1492747060l/34227670.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="135" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26032912-the-queen-of-nothing"><img alt="The Queen of Nothing (The Folk of the Air, #3)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1553624975l/26032912._SY475_.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36581512-shell"><img alt="Shell" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1510494293l/36581512._SY475_.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="130" /></a></div>
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<b>One Silver Summer - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐ | A Taxonomy of Love - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐ | The Queen of Nothing - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐.5 | Shell - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">This week was a "meh" reading week. I can feel myself slipping into a reading slump, and I think it's because the past three books I've read haven't been great. 😞 <i>One Silver Summer</i> was a cute read, but it was quite average. <i>A Taxonomy of Love</i> was definitely my favourite read of the week - I absolutely LOVED it! 💖 It was a very cute read that definitely tugged on my heartstrings. </span></div>
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRs5kGhahD_x9K2UNTzsb9xfO2wdd_ffiQ41aztW51udjdfvt180A0eQVd07dNRrRDts6eEa4vP4aK7BIDsAZVvq29sdGxi3rzkWquxDK94G7GBK002u6qDjGOzL2-bT1A07Bm38e9H74m/s1600/IMG-3882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRs5kGhahD_x9K2UNTzsb9xfO2wdd_ffiQ41aztW51udjdfvt180A0eQVd07dNRrRDts6eEa4vP4aK7BIDsAZVvq29sdGxi3rzkWquxDK94G7GBK002u6qDjGOzL2-bT1A07Bm38e9H74m/s1600/IMG-3882.JPG" /></a></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">I was really expecting to love <i>The Queen of Nothing, </i>as it was one of my highly anticipated reads, but I was <i>so disappointed</i>. I found the plot quite basic and not that great. The ending was also quite abrupt and anticlimactic. So disappointed.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;"><i>Shell</i> was interesting, but the characters annoyed the heck out of me. Also, what is that ending?! </span></div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJsEMu_HGGYSgxvpPA_Gz45ByZQpuVpabm-TK15X1S0CALVlBJONp45eZrIklfHzbWRtAMZmDoE1udiUR8mU2Wq8MxOdimPC-jUUbSOmhPcvWk0OQKJE-vV-V0tTPpSCQr_HcrcQjmPmz/s320/what+im+reading.PNG" /></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34817232-olivia-twist"><img alt="Olivia Twist" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1505317397l/34817232.jpg" width="130" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24746504-the-ruby-in-the-smoke"><img alt="The Ruby in the Smoke (Sally Lockhart, #1)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1422538618l/24746504.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="137" /></a></div>
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I'm not really feeling <i>Olivia Twist </i>at the moment, but I'm really enjoying <i>The Ruby in the Smoke</i>!</div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS6NsYF2Rhll7sqW4-jGUGRs5GuvVBcHx-zchLlUJlZRFFKBO6O-KyntoRX-RO4hirdv0bR57CHvB7bnEZRHIKyndHY5EyBtao0x9lB0j0PQN58_6We9nSosGHW84Ph5fWLaL5QzFsTVRG/s200/wn.PNG" /></div>
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I don't feel like reading anything particular at the moment, but I guess the world is my oyster!</div>
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<b>What have you read this week? What's been your fa</b><b style="text-align: left;">vourite book?</b></div>
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Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08208972644763001755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987920454791620682.post-80848846690926651122020-04-24T00:00:00.000+01:002020-04-24T00:00:00.142+01:00Series Review - The Ruby Redfort series by Lauren Child<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjx83gpoQBHWb-8QpRnsEfMIqUAJBv6J6vcdJFhDgb0xA4qgD0E_rWsrn8aokvflLNJSWIwDZf5NP4s38rXNAjWJ1YR6Vt5aRDlKWcX3qeUlMcAGJOW-4y4IaNXrBZB0uJXL7MhBx62mpZ/s1600/Untitled+design.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="820" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjx83gpoQBHWb-8QpRnsEfMIqUAJBv6J6vcdJFhDgb0xA4qgD0E_rWsrn8aokvflLNJSWIwDZf5NP4s38rXNAjWJ1YR6Vt5aRDlKWcX3qeUlMcAGJOW-4y4IaNXrBZB0uJXL7MhBx62mpZ/s640/Untitled+design.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Title: Ruby Redfort (#1-#6)</b></div>
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<b>Series: Ruby Redfort </b></div>
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<b>Author: Lauren Child</b></div>
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<b>Publication: 2011-2016, Harper Collins Children's Books</b></div>
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<b>Pages: 1889 Pages, Hardback</b></div>
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<b>Source: My library!<br />Rating: 4.5/5 cupcakes!</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PEtndnJHzSTBI5EuvilXGJFkKyllpguQxf4VpaxHgZjYY8YIqGq02_bQaqgonpvDaLDnzuktzjIZdz1kB6a4eOm0yWrV_X1cOpK9Kt4BDdTFHSOzx0EZeLHqtsocGbsfGB30cSoeEZBO/s1600/add-to-goodreads-button.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="45" data-original-width="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PEtndnJHzSTBI5EuvilXGJFkKyllpguQxf4VpaxHgZjYY8YIqGq02_bQaqgonpvDaLDnzuktzjIZdz1kB6a4eOm0yWrV_X1cOpK9Kt4BDdTFHSOzx0EZeLHqtsocGbsfGB30cSoeEZBO/s1600/add-to-goodreads-button.png" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="grapefruit" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 18px; margin-top: 18px; padding: 0px;">
A collection of all 6 books in the super-awesome Ruby Redfort series!<br />
Hey, buster! Normal life is a total yawn. So break out boredom with multi-million-copy bestselling author Lauren Child, and meet your new favourite heroine… Ruby Redfort: detective, secret agent, thirteen-year-old kid.<br />
Here’s the low-down on Ruby Redfort: she’s a genius code-cracker, a daring detective, and a gadget-laden special agent. She and her slick side-kick butler, Hitch, foil crimes and get into loads of scrapes with evil villains, but they’re always ice-cool in a crisis.<br />
<b>LOOK INTO MY EYES:</b><br />
An anonymous caller lures Ruby into the HQ of the most secret of secret agencies – SPECTRUM. They need her help to crack a code but her desk job soon spirals into an all-out action-adventure, as Ruby uncovers the dastardly plans of the formidable Fool’s Gold Gang…<br />
<b>TAKE YOUR LAST BREATH:</b><br />
This time it’s an adventure on the wide open ocean, and Ruby is all at sea… Can she crack the case of the Twinford pirates while evading the clutches of a vile sea monster, as well as the evil Count von Viscount? Well, you wouldn’t want to bet against her…<br />
<b>CATCH YOUR DEATH:</b><br />
Tigers are roaming the streets, and it looks like someone has deliberately released some very rare and very dangerous animals. Things are going to get wild – and Ruby is going to get badly lost in the wilderness. The question is: will she ever make it out alive?<br />
<b>FEEL THE FEAR:</b><br />
Ruby must pit her wits against a seemingly invisible foe. How do you set your sights on catching a light-fingered villain if you can’t even see him…?<br />
<b>PICK YOUR POISON:</b><br />
There’s a lot to lose sleep over in Twinford: there’s the snakes and the bivalves, but they aren’t half as poisonous as the rumours. With so many twists and turns it’s hard to know who to trust, particularly when no one trusts you. Will Ruby make it out in one piece? Well, happy endings are for fairy tales, bozo.<br />
<b>BLINK AND YOU DIE:</b><br />
All good things come to an end… Ruby Redfort is running scared, a whole bunch of people want her dead and worst of all one of them is on her team. But just who is this agent of doom? You can run, Ruby, but you can’t hide…</blockquote>
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This year I want to try to do more series reviews. I've been reading for a <i>long</i> time, and I realised that 90% of the time, the only time I'll ever finish a series is if I binge read it in one go. I have a memory of a goldfish when it comes to books, so in order for me to keep my bearings, I have to read them all in one go - which is what I did here! Kind of. Mostly. My marathoning of this series was interspersed with other books so it took me awhile to finish the whole thing, but I did it! Yay me!</div>
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Me and the Ruby Redfort series go back a <i>long</i> way. If you're not familiar with the series or the author, Lauren Child wrote another series called Clarice Bean which was a big part of my childhood. If you're not familiar with Clarice Bean, maybe you're familiar with her other series Charlie and Lola. In the Clarice Bean series, Clarice Bean (the protagonist) had a favourite book series called Ruby Redfort. So, the author decided to actually write the Ruby Redfort books which was GENIUS and totally blew my twelve-year-old mind. I bought the first book in the series when it first came out...but I never read it. I was keeping it for a rainy day or a day when I really In the Mood™️, as I am <i>such</i> a mood reader. Well, that day eventually came eight years later (don't judge me). My original copy of the book is still in storage in South Africa but when I downloaded my library's ebook app, I saw the whole series was on there! So the binge-reading ensued! </div>
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So even though I read the series recently, it's something sentimental to me and something inextricably linked to my childhood which is always a lovely thing to say about a book. </div>
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Ruby is a thirteen-year-old genius. She cracks codes, notices things that most other people don't. She's highly perceptive. She's courageous and sassy, honest and undeniably loyal. I liked Ruby. She's a great role model for characters in the sense that she's very confident in herself and doesn't consider changing who she is to please other people. If I'm being honest myself, Ruby initially slightly annoyed me because she felt too perfect. She's amazing at everything she does, very privileged, and seemingly without flaws. HOWEVER, throughout the series her character was explored more and she became more complex and fleshed out. There was subtle exploration on how the near-death-experiences she had encountered affected her psychologically, as well as failure on certain missions and fears that arose. Initially, Ruby came across as unflappable and almost robotic in the sense that she didn't seem to actually <i>fear</i> anything nor fail at anything, so I liked that throughout the series she felt more relatable. Although I liked Ruby, she did irk me at times. I think this is probably due to me reading this as an adult instead of a young teenager, but she was <i>too</i> sassy at times and also very irresponsible, not thinking about risks. She thought she was invincible which was explored in the fourth book, but...it did frustrate me at times.</div>
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Then there was Clancy Crew, Ruby's best friend. Clancy is also incredibly honest and unwavering in his loyalty. Clancy I could relate with more. He's more cautious about things and not as impulsive as Ruby. I loved how he supported her through everything. He's a wonderful character!</div>
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One of my absolute favourite characters was Hitch, one of Spectrum's agents who guides and assists Ruby as she works for Spectrum. He also works for Ruby's family as their "butler" after sustaining a gunshot injury. I LOVE Hitch. He's always there to help Ruby out and set her straight if she's too reckless or putting her life at risk. I love how he listens to Ruby when a lot of people initially brush off her observations. I love what a great mentor he is to her.</div>
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I also love Mrs. Digby, Ruby's housekeeper who has known her and Ruby's mother since they were babies. She doesn't take nonsense, she's direct, she's strong, she's wise and also a little bit sassy.</div>
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Ruby's parents were excellent additions to the story too! They were utterly hilarious. Slightly dim but affable and good-natured. Their dialogue was brilliant and they brought subtle comedy to the series.</div>
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There were other characters that added heart and dimension to the series: LB, Blacker, Ruby's other friends and, yes, even Froghorn. </div>
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One of the things I love about reading a series is how with each installment, you get to know the characters more. With each book the emotional attachment to them grows and you feel as if you really know them. After I read the last book, I felt quite sad as I had spent so much time with the characters that they had begun to feel like friends. </div>
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I really enjoyed the plots for each of these! The first three books were good, but they began to get really intense from the fourth book. I finished the fifth and sixth book one day after the other. The stakes are raised, loyalty is questioned, paranoia reigns and danger lurks around the corner. The intensity is amplified in the final three books and it had my eyes glued to the page. I quite literally couldn't put them down.</div>
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Each book has a separate mystery but there's a bigger mystery that spans the entire series. I loved working out the clues with Ruby and seeing how everything fit together. There were mysteries that involved poison, mysterious sea creatures, arctic survival landscapes...it was thrilling and completely riveting. </div>
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These books are perfect for escapism. They're filled with secret agencies, incredible gadgets, chilling villains and entertaining story lines. It's perfect to get lost in. Another thing I love about this series, and which I believe adds to its charm, is that it has a vintage quality to it. I only realised in the last book that this book is set in 1974 (I did wonder why there was no mention of mobile phones). Dispersed among Ruby's sleuthing adventures are mundane activities that</div>
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Although the plot was the primary focus in this series, relationships between the characters were well-constructed and genuine. I loved the friendship between Ruby and Clancy. They trusted one another completely and were incredibly honest and loyal to one another. They had contrasting personalities and I believe that's why their dynamics were so well-balanced. </div>
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I loved the relationship between Hitch and Ruby too. He was always there for Ruby, stuck up for her, listened to her, and advised her. He was like a cool uncle, I guess. I absolutely loved Hitch! </div>
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I also loved Ruby's relationship with Blacker, one of the agents she worked with in Spectrum. I loved how they worked on cases together and also ate donuts together. I have a best friend who I eat donuts with - it's a good friendship to have.</div>
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I loved how the relationships grew and were tested throughout the series. 💕</div>
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I really enjoyed the writing. Ruby Redfort is a children's book that doesn't read like a children's books. There's no over-simplification of things nor childish humor. It's compelling and written with sharp wit and charm that readers of any age will appreciate.</div>
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I also adored the setting that Lauren Child created: the city of Twinford. I loved how the city sometimes played an integral role in the mysteries. I loved learning about the history of Twinford and the residents of the town. I love it when books create worlds or cities in them, it just makes the reading experience that much more interactive and enjoyable! </div>
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<b>I loved the Ruby Redfort series. It's a super sleuthing, secret agent adventure. I grew to completely love the characters, friendships, and mysteries that the series was filled with. It was compelling, riveting, and at times, unputdownable. If you're looking for a lighthearted, secret agent adventure then this is what you need!</b></div>
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<b>I give it: 4.5/5 cupcakes</b></div>
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Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08208972644763001755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987920454791620682.post-73018655312142437082020-04-23T00:00:00.000+01:002020-04-23T00:00:06.823+01:00How to Organise Your (Bookish) Life During Quarantine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have a confession: I'm not finding quarantine as terrible as I thought I would. Prior to lockdown, I thought I would spend my days fretting and dwelling caught in a cycle of fear and anxiety. And boredom. I am an introvert, but even I have my limits of how long I can go being at home every day for several weeks. I thought cabin fever would've set in by now, but, *knocks on wood*, it seems to be going okay. </div>
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Some people (like me) might enjoy quarantine and experience it as a reset of sorts. The world is in a lull and for some we have more time on our hands to indulge in hobbies and get to things we had postponed for when we have the time to do it. </div>
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I've been organising things in my life: clearing out my wardrobe, unhauling books, getting rid of things I no longer need...however, I also thought now is a good time to organise things in my bookish life, be it IRL or things on the internet. I thought I'd compile a list of ways you might be able to organise things that bookish related!</div>
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<li style="text-align: center;"><b>Cull Your Bookshelves</b></li>
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I did this a couple of months ago and it felt so good letting go of books that I would a) never read or b) never read again. There are a few books on my shelf that I'm kind of interested in reading but not <i>really</i>. I might either just donate it to charity store (once the lock-down has been lifted) or try to read them. Hey, I <i>might</i> like them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopSOfFHvrJ718NC00q7v5Xwrqy6DrtUBzIHsZtnk3BSgE-LYvKaF_FWuPd4O1sX2miXohkhGq_ZpN7TDwODFJHSm_N3EunBEbbnFlPV-lZTp0K0W-1dSWN6RhZ56vkkM7qa6oiHU5Vhrx/s1600/3575B9A7-72B7-4C2F-BC6A-B402694639D4.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopSOfFHvrJ718NC00q7v5Xwrqy6DrtUBzIHsZtnk3BSgE-LYvKaF_FWuPd4O1sX2miXohkhGq_ZpN7TDwODFJHSm_N3EunBEbbnFlPV-lZTp0K0W-1dSWN6RhZ56vkkM7qa6oiHU5Vhrx/s1600/3575B9A7-72B7-4C2F-BC6A-B402694639D4.PNG" /></a></div>
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I did this awhile ago and it was so...<i>uplifting. </i>I got my Kindle when I was 13, and I downloaded a LOT of Kindle freebies in that time. There were so many books that were clogging up my Kindle that I was never going to read. It took a long time, but it was worth it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0E7NQVdN6EhN5owY6Wz3I9ciSK4H-UDjtzNEayb9oQ73k6NmjqVetFYeB73EfOfrVEgOpSdj2f_wTZLVg0RnCdA2Pm85eiiMbEn4Os3u7ThwBIC5wGncg7esViUlJrIG__Wif-Da3DoFm/s1600/IMG-2437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1217" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0E7NQVdN6EhN5owY6Wz3I9ciSK4H-UDjtzNEayb9oQ73k6NmjqVetFYeB73EfOfrVEgOpSdj2f_wTZLVg0RnCdA2Pm85eiiMbEn4Os3u7ThwBIC5wGncg7esViUlJrIG__Wif-Da3DoFm/s1600/IMG-2437.JPG" /></a></div>
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When I switched on my old Kindle the other day I saw pretty much all my books had been archived for some reason, including all my collections. It was <i>such </i>a mess, so I decided to organise it. Hopefully your Kindle didn't have a moment like mine did, but if it needs some organising, now is the time!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0EdJ5T-nHElowiuYTFVnbDmdg1UzH5m5MG_zFPflSNb1kFxTpCHnqMkD92HdESqr8J6ajUNFg_LHY54zjRI0Kbqobs4v1LfIgqfkFtjD6B4KrvGHHckcrpZW1guMmi02lqGJ63NgjWNd/s1600/IMG-2743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0EdJ5T-nHElowiuYTFVnbDmdg1UzH5m5MG_zFPflSNb1kFxTpCHnqMkD92HdESqr8J6ajUNFg_LHY54zjRI0Kbqobs4v1LfIgqfkFtjD6B4KrvGHHckcrpZW1guMmi02lqGJ63NgjWNd/s1600/IMG-2743.JPG" /></a></div>
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<li style="text-align: center;"><b>Sort Out Your Bookstagram Pictures</b></li>
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I have so many shots of pretty much the same picture and I also have quite a few book/blogging folders that were a hot mess. If your computer is a little bit messy, it's good time to organise all those folders!</div>
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I did some of this awhile ago, but I still have quite a lot to do. As I've had my Goodreads for eight years, there are a lot of books there that my 13-year-old self would be dying to read but my 21-year-self isn't so keen on. I did clean up my my virtual shelves quite nicely...but there's still quite a lot to do.</div>
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I did this a few months ago and it was so liberating. There were quite a few accounts I was following that a) were inactive b) had stopped posting content I'd originally followed them for. I was originally following 1,000+ accounts and I managed to cut it down to just over 500. Now I have feed that I actually want to see which is good! </div>
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It's the same with Twitter. There were so many inactive accounts I was following and quite a few accounts that were posting content that had morphed into that of a negative/toxic nature. It's 2020, you don't need that in your life.</div>
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Whether it be by updating your review tab, your "about me" page, tidying your sidebars...see if there's anything you can do to make your blog more organised! </div>
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I hope you find this helpful and let me know if you decide to do any of these and how they go!</div>
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<b>Have you been organising?</b></div>
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Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08208972644763001755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987920454791620682.post-21963689818581082392020-04-20T15:30:00.001+01:002020-04-20T15:30:31.352+01:00What I've Been Reading - My #StayHomeReadingRush Wrap-Up <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello everyone! </div>
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How are you and how has your week been?</div>
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My week has been fairly busy, which isn't something I thought I'd say. I've been helping my mom sort out the house for when we move in the summer. I've been catching up with friends, working out, doing Bible study, doing maths...it's been quite a productive week. </div>
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I also ventured out for the first time in 4 (nearly 5) weeks. I needed to buy me some shampoo and groceries. It was so weird. Usually the town I live in is packed on a Saturday but it was so quiet. I was decked out in gloves and a mask and I saw a few people doing the same (but not as many as I thought I would see!). </div>
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From Thursday to Sunday I participated in a mini version of the Reading Rush - the #StayHome edition. As pretty much everyone is self-isolating at the moment, they decided to host a mini readathon to encourage people to stay at home and read! I really thought that I would get a lot of reading done, as what else is there to do in quarantine? Well, apparently a lot, as I didn't read nearly as much as I wanted to. BUT I did still manage to read 2.5 books and finish an audiobook, totaling 3.5 books read for the readathon, which isn't too bad, I guess! </div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34105139-love-luck"><img alt="Love & Luck" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1489453033l/34105139._SY475_.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10153731-stormswept"><img alt="Stormswept" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1329669872l/10153731.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="128" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38734256-sherwood"><img alt="Sherwood" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1523288337l/38734256.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="131" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30312855-the-last-magician"><img alt="The Last Magician (The Last Magician, #1)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1468598919l/30312855._SX318_.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="132" /></a></div>
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Love & Luck - <b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐.5 | Stormswept - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐.5</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;"> | Sherwood - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐ | The Last Magician - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">So overall I read a good amount of books last week! I LOVED Love & Luck - it was super cute. It was such a light-hearted, fun read which I really needed. I enjoyed Stormswept too. I ADORED the Ingo books when I was younger, so it was fun revisiting the world. I listened to Sherwood on audio and I really liked it! I'm surprised it's got a rating under 4 stars on Goodreads, as I really enjoyed it. Finally, I read The Last Magician which was AMAZING. I might have found a new favourite book, guys. The characters, the magic system, the romance, the setting, the FREAKING PLOT (a book hasn't shocked me that much in awhile)...it was amazing. I NEED the second book in my life.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26627343-one-silver-summer?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=V6LhO4q8KS&rank=1"><img alt="One Silver Summer" height="320" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1442509553l/26627343.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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This is a quick YA contemporary read that I had on my TBR and decided to read. It's a great summer's read. With horses! I used to love horse books when I was younger (despite being on a horse exactly once in my life) but I'm not really feeling the horsey aspect of it that much. The characters aren't very developed either but it's a cute story.</div>
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That's a <i>good</i> question. I'm not really sure what I'm in the mood for?? I guess I'll see how I feel once I finish my current read!</div>
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<b>What are you currently reading? Did you have a good reading week last week? How's your self-isolation going? Let's chat!</b></div>
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Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08208972644763001755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987920454791620682.post-57228798228463777552020-04-17T00:00:00.000+01:002020-04-22T21:21:19.060+01:00Queen of Ruin lived up to its name and emotionally ruined me but no regrets<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Title: Queen of Ruin</b><br />
<b>Series: Grace and Fury #2</b><br />
<b>Author: Tracy Banghart</b><br />
<b>Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy</b><br />
<b>Publication: July 11th 2019, Hachette Children's Group</b><br />
<b>Pages: 400 pages, Paperback</b><br />
<b>Source: Thank you to Netgalley and Hachette Children's for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review</b><br />
<b>Rating: 5/5 cupcakes</b><br />
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<span id="freeText9658984342360710563" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Nomi and Malachi find themselves powerless and headed towards their all-but-certain deaths. Now that Asa sits on the throne, he will stop at nothing to make sure Malachi never sets foot in the palace again.</span><span id="freeText9658984342360710563" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><span id="freeText9658984342360710563" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Nomi's sister, Serina, is far away on the prison island of Mount Ruin - but it is in the grip of revolution and Serina leads. The women there have their sights set on revenge beyond the confines of their island prison. They will stop at nothing to gain freedom for the entire kingdom. But first they'll have to get rid of Asa, and only Nomi knows how.</span><span id="freeText9658984342360710563" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><span id="freeText9658984342360710563" style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Separated once again, this time by choice, Nomi and Serina must forge their own paths as they aim to tear down the world they know, to build something better in its place.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;"> </span></blockquote>
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When I read Grace & Fury the ending left me completely gobsmacked. I needed the second book like I needed <i>air</i>...it definitely didn't disappoint.</div>
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The thing that struck me most was the transformation of the characters, particularly Serina. Although Serina's character underwent drastic development in the book first, I felt her grow even more into herself in this sequel. I absolutely adore Serina and I believe she's one of my new favourite protagonists. What I love about Serina is she's courageous, strong, passionate, and fierce. But, and think this is what distinguishes her from a lot of characters with similar qualities, she has a kind, gentleness about her. She's not a brutal character. She gives people chances, she feels deeply, and she fights for others. She's an extremely well-written character. Her loyalty, bravery, and determination makes her an excellent role model and a character that I'm delighted to know.</div>
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Nomi also changed in this book but her change wasn't as dramatic as Serena's. Nomi has always been the sister who is rebellious, a free thinker, and a risk-taker. I loved watching Nomi harness her energy, passion, and determination to aid her in dismantling the warped society she finds herself in. Nomi is a brilliant character too. She was born with the personality of a leader. In the first book we witnessed the power and authority simmering in her; I loved seeing these elements developed.</div>
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Nomi and Serina both possess bravery, loyalty, courage, and empathy; however, they also possess raw, painfully real vulnerability. They are both incredibly complex characters with multiple aspects to their character that fleshes them out.</div>
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Another aspect of Tracy Banghart's writing that added depth to the story is her ability to write secondary characters. All the secondary characters were unique and complex too. The ever-present danger and tension, as well as the knowledge that there was no safety, made me painfully aware of all the characters' possible demise. I care for the secondary characters. They each had their own backgrounds, stories, dreams, and fears that added to the powerful impact this book has. No character is sage and all the characters you care for makes this a heart-pounding reading experience.</div>
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I adored the love interests too. Malachi is gruff and aloof but melts in the hands of Nomi. It's quite adorable. Val is supportive and gentle. They love interests fit so well with the girls that soul mates take on a whole new meaning. They complement one another, omtivate, and support each other. I absolutely adore Val and Malachi. They have open minds and are aware to the dangers and toxicity that pervades their society. They are willing to fight for change.</div>
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This brings me to the presentation of the relationships in Queen of Ruin. They were excellent. The sisterly relationship was utterly spectacular. Nomi and Serina were both strong, courageous young women. In a lot of fantasy books, one of the sisters has to be saved or the female protagonist requires rescuing. This wasn't the case. Nomi and Serina did rely on or receive help from their friends occasionally; however, they were mostly self-sufficient, resourceful, and independent. I loved how they were so protective, loving, and supportive of one another. They had such a wonderful relationship!<br />
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The romantic relationships were stunningly written too. The romantic partners in these books were equals. They fought and tackled problems by each others' sides. One romantic partner didn't make all the decisions nor was a damsel in distress. They made decisions together and discussed things. They supported, cherished, and loved. The relationships were incredibly healthy and well portrayed. With Malachi and Val, it was especially apparent how much they loved and were willing to fight for Nomi and Serina. They are incredible male characters and I loved them. There was definitely squealing when romance was given page-time because they were wonderfully written and swoon-worthy. </div>
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I also adored the writing and the plot. There can be no dispute that Tracy Banghart is an extraordinarily talented writer. Tracy writing voice is raw, real and utterly compelling. Her sentences are packed with heart-breaking honesty, tension, and suspense; however, they are also beautifully strung together to depict the bond of an unbreakable sisterhood and the determination and passion to fight for justice truth. Her writing was so incredibly powerful. The execution of realistic character development and the depth of the secondary characters showed her excellent characterisation. The atmosphere of intensity and danger was palpable too. I actually had to take a break from this book at the 70% mark because I felt like the threats the characters were face were facing couldn't possible have a good outcome. That's how good this book was.</div>
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I won't say much in the way of plot, as NO SPOILERS HERE! All you need to know is that it's shocking, action-packed, and brilliantly constructed. There were literally no dull moments. Queen of Quin sits at around 400 pages but I read it in 2-3 sittings. </div>
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Queen of Ruin was absolutely spectacular. It was a brutal and raw tale of an unbreakable bond between sisters, the courage that lies within the hearts of us all, and the power we hold to change a treacherous society. It's a powerful read of hope and resilience that I completely adored.</div>
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I give it: <b>5/5 cupcakes</b></div>
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Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08208972644763001755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987920454791620682.post-68457841226778668842020-04-16T00:00:00.000+01:002020-04-16T00:00:02.721+01:00My #StayHomeReadingRush TBR!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I LOVE READATHONS. DON'T YOU LOVE READATHONS?!</div>
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If there's a readathon to be participated in, you bet I'll be there. I participated in the Reading Rush last year and I had SO MUCH FUN. It was the first time in a long while I <i>properly </i>participated in a readathon. I participated in reading sprints, spoke to other readers, tried completing all the challenges...it was so much fun.</div>
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This one is much more low-key BUT there are still reading challenges to complete and there will still be other participants to talk to on Twitter! </div>
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<b style="color: #030303; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">1. How is your reading going while staying home?</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #030303; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">Honestly, <i>good</i>. I haven't had this much time to read in a while, and as I have nothing to really tend to at the moment, I have a lot of time to read which is <i>great</i>. I kind of wish I had set a number for the Goodreads reading challenge this year, as I think I would've been ahead at this point. 😌</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #030303; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">2. Where have you been reading at home?</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #030303; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">The weather has been amazing in the UK the past few days, and as I'm fortunate to have a back garden, I've been reading in a chair in the garden or on a picnic blanket! If the weather isn't too great, I've also been reading in my room. </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. What’s your favourite feel good book?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ugh, I <i>need</i> more feel good books at the moment. For me, I love the Geek Girl books as they're super cute and funny. Basically any fluffy contemporary is what I'm needing at the moment. The first week of lockdown I was like "GIVE ME ALL THE APOCALYPSE BOOKS" but now I just want super cute and funny love stories. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Best book you’ve read during isolation?</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYKlCud5RGMynShhIk-hdqACVBvjxEFYhw8dMglrfrvgQw8uZtkLUCe-KDBtGlTyrK_EyTpbofVNYnL-IVTTpQ7vjobs6-RVobJ4ZzG9OSIlO0AuvDk40RLcN-v9qdVizfrVy9fI0N04X/s1600/IMG-2696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYKlCud5RGMynShhIk-hdqACVBvjxEFYhw8dMglrfrvgQw8uZtkLUCe-KDBtGlTyrK_EyTpbofVNYnL-IVTTpQ7vjobs6-RVobJ4ZzG9OSIlO0AuvDk40RLcN-v9qdVizfrVy9fI0N04X/s1600/IMG-2696.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvKeudC9h6BQ2uV4oO_-4xShHI7M2PIsB3tuVb5bTzoWXZkIFWKX53W661fLJgirvJOevQ3l_Is68c1MWkC4HhrIFb1a0CgGwoClOHD8IsEFVmFweCjIZIJfgTrQztdGFv-smW8BnyHWa/s1600/IMG-2830+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvKeudC9h6BQ2uV4oO_-4xShHI7M2PIsB3tuVb5bTzoWXZkIFWKX53W661fLJgirvJOevQ3l_Is68c1MWkC4HhrIFb1a0CgGwoClOHD8IsEFVmFweCjIZIJfgTrQztdGFv-smW8BnyHWa/s1600/IMG-2830+%25281%2529.JPG" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">These were SO GOOD. 10 Blind Dates made me feel so happy and Chosen Ones just had me going asdfghjkl 95% of the time.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Author you want to shout out during this time?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ashley Elston, author of 10 Blind Dates. Her book made me feel super happy and just allowed me to escape from all the mess we're in for awhile! </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">6. Book you wish you could buy or borrow from the library?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Luckily, </i>I stocked up on books beforehand so there aren't too many I want to borrow. I also have a Kindle so if I desperately want a book, I can buy it (but I'm trying to save money, so only if I'm super desperate).</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">7. What is your Reading Rush TBR?</span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7ERrPo0yi-V4GbNOPeJ3aciCVd7LZtqUFsFCqau8nPXVLyTIgOxXeb3X8-3qX9nRIDfDl3gTMNPf15L1vM43fHB3FWPco2__K2x7QZfNr3QGKR4XJ7X3vHmkmY7E2NqruTDEGzZTU5W8/s1600/IMG-3034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1443" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG7ERrPo0yi-V4GbNOPeJ3aciCVd7LZtqUFsFCqau8nPXVLyTIgOxXeb3X8-3qX9nRIDfDl3gTMNPf15L1vM43fHB3FWPco2__K2x7QZfNr3QGKR4XJ7X3vHmkmY7E2NqruTDEGzZTU5W8/s1600/IMG-3034.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQSdcthTXZHIH4mvM0naCTiUj66aPu6TEZuYjzIyLOchf26W-IoPjOeIDn3zeA8VyJGH3oor2LqTDTfxd3-6oca0vB6bFKg59BPkziVz_D813e0gth2ltvv7mvg4nGVth7efezWZgs2MC/s1600/rrc.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="60" data-original-width="409" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQSdcthTXZHIH4mvM0naCTiUj66aPu6TEZuYjzIyLOchf26W-IoPjOeIDn3zeA8VyJGH3oor2LqTDTfxd3-6oca0vB6bFKg59BPkziVz_D813e0gth2ltvv7mvg4nGVth7efezWZgs2MC/s1600/rrc.PNG" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">1. Read a book with a house on the cover.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My pick for this is Olivia Twist! There's a little house in the background you can see if you look close enough. This looks like such a fun read and it's high-time I read it!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSISlWkNg3z68_IfBc2HrzK6Hyq4whQDYSEKEFcZaYvGe4I8i9BhaxHP3x3mkMZM1mq3wPNaS0TGL_-8pBy0ST8ohF1OOYM44mlqW8G8t6Bg7JUVXdrNnoyRzfzLfjPbck2oI2WqZZcWX/s1600/IMG-3041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1492" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSISlWkNg3z68_IfBc2HrzK6Hyq4whQDYSEKEFcZaYvGe4I8i9BhaxHP3x3mkMZM1mq3wPNaS0TGL_-8pBy0ST8ohF1OOYM44mlqW8G8t6Bg7JUVXdrNnoyRzfzLfjPbck2oI2WqZZcWX/s640/IMG-3041.JPG" width="596" /></a><span style="text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">
2. Read a book in the same room the whole time.</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I chose Ruby in the Smoke for this challenge! I think it's under 200 pages, so I should be able to read it in one sitting. <span style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">
3. Read a book set somewhere you wish you could go.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRng1AqHGzW9s-vjeXHOBsNey__0RInDPXfURv0D33VMivtsKi4HaEk-r4izOsPfwni_yBM99k6vm0-PPfrNu3O-X0045stfmhwdyKtX0Pd9sUOxxEhpLiRVK347eB4GU6TDzX6URBpsto/s1600/es.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="371" data-original-width="549" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRng1AqHGzW9s-vjeXHOBsNey__0RInDPXfURv0D33VMivtsKi4HaEk-r4izOsPfwni_yBM99k6vm0-PPfrNu3O-X0045stfmhwdyKtX0Pd9sUOxxEhpLiRVK347eB4GU6TDzX6URBpsto/s640/es.PNG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm thinking Queen of Nothing for this challenge. Even though the fae can be super scary, I love books that are set in fairyland. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">4. Read a book that will make you smile.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I loved Cressida Cowell's books when I was younger, so I'm hoping this will be a fun, fantasy adventure that will have me smiling too! </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEeUfAPm7NDFqCEhF_cTcDE29bjdB7ajtIZE8agdLOYKu5RuKq4uxiaMODHED0X4VKy7bZSPfNvukJ2Mg0l2eFqeNTeCv-Jz9ElMmI_00LdtcIzcTuGz2lEqMVdo2Ct3QPybHesryGF3r/s1600/IMG-3040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEeUfAPm7NDFqCEhF_cTcDE29bjdB7ajtIZE8agdLOYKu5RuKq4uxiaMODHED0X4VKy7bZSPfNvukJ2Mg0l2eFqeNTeCv-Jz9ElMmI_00LdtcIzcTuGz2lEqMVdo2Ct3QPybHesryGF3r/s1600/IMG-3040.JPG" /></span></a></div>
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<b>Are you participating? What books are on your TBR? Let's chat!</b></div>
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Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08208972644763001755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987920454791620682.post-46940502111925839522020-04-14T00:00:00.000+01:002020-04-14T15:21:45.140+01:00Books I ❤️ That I Don't Talk About Enough<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD24JFbkKd0iQDsqCqHLk9wn_cWbuEfOafrthb5Hl4ayIIpSrhTYoVxXXNN8p_V2ZQ9je7lKdEA8gpgoqnkaIsYmzg3ydg2Q_Te997Vs3_9fE6EkUcMlXcSYxjCNiOtNfNS-qz0HvdIlrY/s1600/Top+Ten+Tuesday.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1600" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD24JFbkKd0iQDsqCqHLk9wn_cWbuEfOafrthb5Hl4ayIIpSrhTYoVxXXNN8p_V2ZQ9je7lKdEA8gpgoqnkaIsYmzg3ydg2Q_Te997Vs3_9fE6EkUcMlXcSYxjCNiOtNfNS-qz0HvdIlrY/s640/Top+Ten+Tuesday.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have a lot of favourite books. I've been reading since I was around five, so over sixteen years I've discovered a lot of books that have found a place in my heart. HOWEVER, each year I find new books and talk about those <i>instead</i>, and the older favourites get neglected. I love today's prompt - I get to talk about all (well, a few of, otherwise this would be a <i>loooong</i> post) the books I love that don't get enough page-time on here! </div>
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As I've been blogging for eight years this year (ASDFGHJ WHAT?!) I thought I'd do my favourite book from each year I've been blogging (plus a few extras!). I'm looking forward to taking a trip down memory lane and, for a little while, revisiting some of the books that stole my heart.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>2012 </u></span></b></div>
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<b>(otherwise known as the fetus year) </b></div>
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<b>(also the year I peaked...121 books? Who even was I)</b></div>
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Well, I'm relieved to announce that my reading taste has changed since I was thirteen (not by much though lol). It's interesting looking at the progression of my reading taste from before I started blogging to after. Beforehand, I didn't really know what I was looking for; I would just read whatever the library had. Blogging helped me find so many good books. Thank you, blogging community.❤️ </div>
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There are three books in particular that stand out from 2012. To this day they remain a couple of my favourite books, but I rarely speak about them anymore. Those three books are <a href="https://blogofabookaholic.blogspot.com/2012/12/review-clockwork-angel-cassandra-clare.html" rev="en_rl_none" textcontent="Clockwork Angel">Clockwork Angel</a> by Cassandra Clare, Divergent by Veronica Roth, and The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson. I used to speak about the Infernal Devices ALL THE TIME on my blog, but now I rarely do. </div>
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The Infernal Devices remains one of my favourite trilogies to this day, and Will Herondale will ALWAYS be my ultimate book boyfriend. I loved everything about Clockwork Angel - the jaw-dropping story line, the complex characters, the beautiful writing, and the romance! Le sigh. As thirteen-year-old me put it..."a completely faultless read". Aw.</div>
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<a href="https://blogofabookaholic.blogspot.com/2012/11/review-sky-is-everywhere-jandy-nelson.html" rev="en_rl_none" textcontent="The Sky is Everywhere">The Sky is Everywhere</a> is the first book I recall reading that made my read some of it immediately after finishing it. I remember falling completely in love with the writing, the characters, and the romance. Jandy Nelson was my number one writing inspiration then, and to this day she remains my number one writing inspiration. Her writing is just utterly incredible and this book made me feel ALL THE FEELS.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyA9Szey4QYDc36tS5VK2W2AudMEKzOfXHLnhu4g4m8er_xed1HPXVAonXN6dP2rp7I8MEL4M9Rgb1BenPlirmrTcarjecXBgJrOECCXOcGzoFIZ5F47BCTIU9GjhEJFMWxXdcV0TYS3e/s1600/IMG-1902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioyA9Szey4QYDc36tS5VK2W2AudMEKzOfXHLnhu4g4m8er_xed1HPXVAonXN6dP2rp7I8MEL4M9Rgb1BenPlirmrTcarjecXBgJrOECCXOcGzoFIZ5F47BCTIU9GjhEJFMWxXdcV0TYS3e/s1600/IMG-1902.JPG" /></a></div>
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I also read <a href="https://blogofabookaholic.blogspot.com/2012/07/review-divergent-veronica-roth.html">Divergent</a> and to this day it remains one of my favourite books. I know a lot of people hated Allegiant, but I didn't (despite the ending!). I have such a soft spot for this trilogy and I love it muchly. As 13-year-old me said..."it's one of the most AWESOME books EVER." Wow, what literary talent I possessed.</div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">2013</span></u></b></div>
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I didn't actually read that much in 2013 which I'm guessing was due to school cramping my reading style. I read so many good books in 2013 that I don't even know where to start! UGH. I'm going to go over my two book quota here - there's just too many. But hey, at least you'll get some old-school book recs. </div>
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I loved YA contemporaries then, and I love YA contemporaries now. 2013 was a good year for YA contemporaries. I read <a href="https://blogofabookaholic.blogspot.com/2015/09/review-anna-and-french-kiss-stephanie.html" rev="en_rl_none" textcontent="Anna and the French Kiss">Anna and the French Kiss</a> which blew me away. I adored the Parisian setting, the plot, and I remember LOVING the romance. <a href="https://blogofabookaholic.blogspot.com/2013/01/review-summer-i-turned-pretty-jenny-han.html" rev="en_rl_none" textcontent="The Summer I Turned Pretty">The Summer I Turned Pretty</a> series also remains one of my favourites to this day. I have such a vivid recall of my reading experience. I had loaned the first two from the library and I literally sat inside for two days and read them. I couldn't even wait for my library to get the third book, so I immediately bought it on my Kindle. I was so completely immersed in the story and I loved it SO MUCH.</div>
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I also read <a href="https://blogofabookaholic.blogspot.com/2013/02/review-knife-of-never-letting-go.html">The Knife of Never Letting Go</a> which I almost DNFed initially but then had me declaring it one of my favourite books by the time I finished it. It was unlike anything I'd read before. And it broke my heart, so that was fun.</div>
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I begun the Mortal Instruments which I absolutely love. I won't say much about them as most people have probably read them but...<3 </div>
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<a href="https://blogofabookaholic.blogspot.com/2013/06/review-wonder-rj-palacio.html" rev="en_rl_none" textcontent="Wonder">Wonder</a> by R.J. Palacio also completely blew me away. Heart-warming, heart-breaking, inspirational, and filled with so much love and courage...it's an utter treasure.</div>
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ALSO, one last honourable mention and then I'm done, the <a href="https://blogofabookaholic.blogspot.com/2013/09/review-lockwood-co-screaming-staircase.html" rev="en_rl_none" textcontent="Lockwood & Co">Lockwood & Co</a> series! I received an unsolicited copy for review and was quite hesitant to read it because GHOSTS...but boy, it was AMAZING. Think YA Ghostbusters - it's so twisty, so atmospheric, yet also so character-driven. READ IT.</div>
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Man, 2013. You were a good year.</div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">2014 </span></u></b></div>
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<b>(The year I read ALL THE BOOKS)</b></div>
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Ugh, <i>guys</i>. 2014 was the YEAR for books for me. I read 108 that year, and I discovered so many favourites. </div>
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I started reading the Skulduggery Pleasant series which is INCREDIBLE. The first three are quite middle-grade but get steadily darker with the continuation of the series. They are FILLED with shocking plot twists, brilliant banter, flawed characters...they're perfect. READ THEM!!</div>
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I also read <a href="https://blogofabookaholic.blogspot.com/2014/04/review-one-and-only-ivan-katherine.html" rev="en_rl_none" textcontent="The One and Only Ivan">The One and Only Ivan</a> which I remember expertly tugging at my heartstrings and making me feel ALL THE FEELS. It's an animal book, guys, of course you're going to cry. It's about captivity and love and sacrifice. It was so beautiful and I highly recommend it.</div>
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The last one I'll mention for this year is If I Stay by Gayle Forman. I remember reading this book in one sitting and bawling my eyes out at the end. If you haven't read this yet, READ IT. The movie doesn't do it justice - this book was incredibly poignant and moving.❤️ </div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">2015</span></u></b></div>
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Three books for this year too, guys. I'm really not sticking to my quota, am I? </div>
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I read These Shallow Graves this year which I wasn't expecting to love as much as I did. It was completely out of my comfort zone (being a murder mystery) but it was SO GOOD. It's historical fiction featuring a headstrong female protagonist and a swoonworthy romance. THE ROMANCE, GUYS, THE ROMANCE. Squeee!! You can read <a href="https://blogofabookaholic.blogspot.com/2015/10/i-wondered-outside-my-comfort-zone-by.html">my review</a> here - I'm more eloquent over there.</div>
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I also read <a href="https://blogofabookaholic.blogspot.com/2016/01/underwater-by-marisa-reichardt-hit.html">Underwater</a> which is AMAZING! There definitely hasn't been enough hype about it in the book community. It features panic disorder SO WELL. As someone who used to suffer with severe panic attacks, I felt so <i>seen</i>. I think I read it in one sitting too - it was so, so good.</div>
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I also read the Alex Rider series and Katie McGarry's books that year. Alex Rider is still one of my favourite series (in fact, the new book came out last week!). Alex grows so much throughout the series and the plots are so brilliant! Katie McGarry's books are SO DARN GOOD too!! She's definitely one of my favourite contemporary authors. Her characters feel so <i>real</i> and the romances are sweet, yet sizzling. LOVE LOVE LOVEEE!!!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>2016</u></span></b></div>
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I didn't read that many good books in 2016. I don't know if my selections were just off or if my seventeen-year-old self was jaded. Either way, I read quite a lot, but not <i>that </i>many books blew me away. THAT BEING SAID, I still have quite a few I want to squeal about! </div>
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I read the Curseworkers trilogy by Holly Black which is SO GOOD. I absolutely <i>adore</i> the characters and the plot. I never reviewed these and now I'm <i>kicking</i> myself, as I can't remember <i>why </i>I loved it only that I did. LE SIGH. I have the first book on my shelf so maybe I'll give it a cheeky reread...</div>
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I also read Illuminae and <a href="https://blogofabookaholic.blogspot.com/2016/10/gemina-by-jay-kristoff-and-amie-kaufman.html">Gemina</a> which were SO FREAKING AMAZING. I fell completely in love with the characters and the romance and the mixed media and THE PLOT!!! ASDFGHJKL.</div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjk85BtEQF1YVwDZyQKbarOWPJaUevZAFzI9qDD_ShM1QHIgEvA8OW8MDPfataiHX3ojIF876ID82ZySfa9YlcnACqTJWDZ6dnS3rgCiMPIcNtRzLjRca54oDBSs0k-l6NNUv5HQWP9zS/s640/gemiinaaa.jpg" /></div>
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<a href="https://blogofabookaholic.blogspot.com/2017/02/more-of-me-by-kathryn-evans-is.html">More of Me by Kathryn Evans</a> was incredible too. It has one of the most unique premises I have ever come across in YA. The writing was excellent and so compelling. I adored the characters, the plot, and the underlying metaphors. YOU NEED TO READ IT. SERIOUSLY. SO GOOD. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>2017</u></span></b></div>
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I didn't read that many great books in 2017 either BUT I did discover a few favourites! I read <a href="https://blogofabookaholic.blogspot.com/2017/03/my-2450-word-love-letter-to-bone-gap-by.html">Bone Gap</a> which is one of my all-time favourite books EVER. It's a breathtaking magical realism book with incredible characterisation and gorgeous writing. Pleeaaase read it - it's stunning!</div>
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I also read The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner which frikkin' BROKE MY HEART. This is a stellar contemporary novel with incredible characterisation. It's raw and real and a perfect embodiment of the curve balls life throws at us.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>2018</u> </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">(the year I discovered Nicholas Sparks!)</span></b></div>
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I LOVE NICHOLAS SPARKS!!! I finally started reading his books in 2018, and I absolutely adored them. I read See Me, Two by Two, and The Last Song. They were compelling, heartbreaking, and with amazing story lines. READ THEM!</div>
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I also read All the Crooked Saints which is one of my favourites too!! I read it twice in 2018 because it was just that good. The characters are incredibly real and I adored the magical realism aspect of the novel. The writing was utterly stunning too.</div>
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I also read <a href="https://blogofabookaholic.blogspot.com/2018/08/the-unexpected-everything-by-morgan.html">The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson</a> which I LOVED!!! It's definitely one of my favourite contemporary novels - and not only because it's got a good dose of dogs. I loved the characters, the friendships, the writing, the love interest...this book is perfect in every way. READ IT!</div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">2019</span></u></b></div>
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2019 was a pretty good reading year! I discovered A Curse So Dark and Lonely which was AMAZING. I adored the characters, the fairy tale aspect, the romance, the writing...this book was definitely one of my favourites of last year. I read the sequel this year and I fell even more in love with the story. SO GOOD.</div>
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I also read When Dimple Met Rishi which was the cutest thing EVER. You know those contemporaries that put a huge smile on your face and make your heart happy?! That's When Dimple Met Rishi was for me. I flew through it and fell sooo in love with it - such a great read!</div>
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I also loved loved loveddd Warcross, Light Years, The Beast Player, and Pacifica. <a href="https://blogofabookaholic.blogspot.com/2019/03/warcross-by-marie-lu-was-freaking.html">Warcross</a> completely gripped me - I loved the characters, the romance, and the world-building. I was so invested in that book. </div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2644874343?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1">Light Years</a> was an amazing sci-fi books. The characters all found a place in my heart and the plot was SO GOOD. </div>
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The Beast Player is a novel translated from Japanese and I loved it. I was so immersed in the book and I LOVED the story line. We also grow up with the character as we read, which is one of my favourite things <i>ever</i>. You can read my review <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2721511501?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1">here</a>!!</div>
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Paifica was SO GOOD!! I didn't LOVE it at first but by the end of the book I was squealing "I LOVE THIS BOOK"! The romance is SO GOOD as are the friendships. Love love loveee!!!</div>
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SO, there we have it. Some of the books I've read throughout my blogging career that deserved some more love from me. I feel all gooey inside now after writing this post. I LOVE BOOKS. </div>
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<b>Name one book that you LOVE that don't speak about enough!</b></div>
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Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08208972644763001755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987920454791620682.post-77932783543848792442020-04-13T11:04:00.001+01:002020-04-13T11:04:15.130+01:00What I've Been Reading #45 - A week of mainly mediocre reads<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu44zv5G3r0GdT9ziITCVEcRJgmcKihvRDOdsn4kiVKt_uCV1zFYk95iONJuKZtF6Ge95u6o1YhAnKOkBf1LdRmbvJ_fpbUZeHsV7fBQqmtSMVEMes6ztMQm74oPKKuZbq33lVlKdmS848/s640/imageedit_13_4453929409.png" /></div>
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Hello everyone! </div>
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I hope you are well and that you had a good Easter weekend. Easter Sunday is my favourite holiday. As a Christian, it's the day that everything changed - Jesus conquered death and our sins were dealt with at the cross, resulting in the ability for us to share in a personal relationship with God. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Memphis W01", Times, serif; font-size: 18px; text-align: left; text-indent: -22.4px;">Luke 24:6-7: "He is not here; he has risen!"</span></blockquote>
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How are you coping with lockdown? </div>
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I'm coping by reading as much as I can, blogging as much as I can, and trying to keep busy as much as possible. It's such a weird time we're living in right now, but books definitely help make it easier! </div>
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I read quite a few last week - yay! I want to try to read as much as possible this next week, as there's a mini Reading Rush readathon taking place from the 16th-19th of April. There are four challenges to complete and if I could read four books across four days, that would be <i>amazing</i>. </div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40944762-chosen-ones"><img alt="Chosen Ones (The Chosen Ones, #1)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1570379053l/40944762._SY475_.jpg" width="132" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24685472-angel-dares"><img alt="Angel Dares (Benedicts, #5)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1427979498l/24685472.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="130" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30937720-summer-shadows"><img alt="Summer Shadows (FINDING SKY)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1467846022l/30937720._SY475_.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="130" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35648195-the-note"><img alt="The Note (The Note, #1)" height="200" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1506041306l/35648195._SY475_.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="131" /></a></div>
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<b>Chosen Ones - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐.5 | Angel Dares - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐.5 | Summer Shadows - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐ | The Note - </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">⭐</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth was by far the best book I read last week (you can read my review <a href="https://blogofabookaholic.blogspot.com/2020/04/me-and-chosen-ones-by-veronica-roth-was.html">here</a> hehe).We had a rough start but by the end of the book I LOVED it. Super well-written with excellent characterisation and plot - highly recommend. I also read the last two books in the Benedict-Savants series and...they were okay. Angel Dares was better as the main character was fun and I enjoyed the musical aspect, but oh my <i>gosh</i> the love interest was such a jerk. The romance was also so turbulent at times I was over it. Summer Shadows followed a similar pattern; I really liked the main character but the love interest and romance ruined it for me. It was just toxic and childish and not good.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Lora; font-size: 16px;">I thought I'd read The Note, a cute adult contemporary, but again, I was disappointed. The writing had a lot of telling and not much showing such as "Maya did this, Maya did that". It was quite tedious initially. I also never really connected with the characters; they were distinctly lacking in depth. Let's hope my reads this week are good! </span></div>
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Nothing at the moment - I'm not sure what to read next!</div>
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Ah, look how pretty! I'm hoping to read any one of these next. I need something fluffy at the moment and I don't think any of these are particularly fluffy. 😆</div>
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<b>What books are you reading this week?</b></div>
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Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08208972644763001755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-987920454791620682.post-1743925800743791552020-04-10T00:00:00.001+01:002020-04-13T15:25:33.854+01:00Grace and Fury by Tracy Banghart was absolutely incredible<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Title: Grace & Fury</b></div>
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<b>Series: Grace & Fury #1</b></div>
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<b>Author: Tracy Banghart</b></div>
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<b>Publication: July 26th 2018, Hodder Children's Books</b></div>
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<b>Pages: 320 Pages, Paperback</b></div>
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<b>Source: Thank you to Hodder Children's Books for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review! This has in no way affected the contents of this review.</b></div>
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<b>Rating: 5/5 cupcakes</b></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Bold, brutal and beautiful, this is a must-read with the glitter and romance of The Selection and the thrilling action and intrigue of Red Queen.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">In a world where women have no rights, sisters Serina and Nomi face two very different fates: one in the palace, the other on an island prison where women must fight to survive.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Serina has spent her whole life preparing to become a Grace - selected to stand by the heir to the throne as a shining example of the perfect woman.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">But her headstrong and rebellious younger sister has a dangerous secret, and one wrong move could cost both sisters everything.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: left;">Can Serina fight? And will Nomi win?</span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39461769-grace-and-fury"><img border="0" data-original-height="45" data-original-width="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbVb8ck3ka_dl6TDBQEu3aOdKzT0S-QgAZO-CrGOy-CVpMUNXLlWECQH-hk9yIzo8UUmrCmmVT9Zgc5Kx1USmlTsnsMANTfmf4AMxXurWAVPfz5E9OchiSedc5xMOgcHH08SlDbxqFsLd/s1600/add-to-goodreads-button.png" /></a></div>
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Spoiler: Everything.</div>
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I love the way Tracy Banghart writes. Devoid of excess metaphors and purple prose, the writing is simple yet marked with sophistication, elegance, and raw candor that delivers an emotional punch. The writing is vivid too. The characters face heartbreaking, cruel, violent trials and each emotion they experience felt intensely real. The characters' wishes and dreams they ache for is written with zeal and heart. The author is an exceptionally talented writer with the ability to make the reader experience all that the characters go through. At times, I had to step back and take a breather. It's the mark of an exceptionally talented writer.</div>
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I absolutely adore the characters. Nomi and Serina are two incredibly written female characters that I think will inspire many young women. Nomi is almost the exact opposite of Serina. Whereas Serina was raised with the intention of becoming a Grace and exhibiting submissiveness and obedience,</div>
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Nomi is strong-willed and defiant. Both sisters will go on a journey that will refine them in the fire and make them as strong as iron. I loved Serina so much. Most characters follow Nomi's personality - strong-willed, fierce, and natural-born rebels. Serina isn't like that. She hasn't questioned the sexist and oppressive nature of her country and is content to be a submissive Grace. She's gentle and obedient. When she's sent to Mount Ruin she struggles massively. She gets knocked down consistently in training, faces harassment from the guards, and finds herself desperately hopeless on more than one occasion. But like a blade forged in the fire, she becomes the weapon that Viridia needs to destroy the dangerous structure of Viridian society. She begins to challenge and question and fight back. She becomes a warrior that thirsts for freedom and justice whilst still maintaining the gentle core of her character. She's a self-sacrificial character that would do anything for her sister. I can honestly say Serina is one of my new favourite characters in YA. Flawed, genuine, brave, and selfless - her character development is incredible.</div>
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I liked Nomi too but I couldn't relate to her as much as Serina. Nomi's character development isn't an evident as Serina due to her strong-will and defiance already being prominent aspects of her character; however, the aspects that made her a courageous, spirited character in the beginning were developed, until by the end of the book, we had an extraordinary character who began to tap into her full potential.</div>
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I loved both these characters. They were vulnerable and scared, yet quietly ferocious and incredibly brave. </div>
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I loved Val and Malachi too. I adored the way Val saved Serina and so many other girls. I adored the way he supported Serina and believed in her. He was such a kindhearted, brave, selfless character too. I adored him. Malachi is gruff and aloof...but I liked him.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vdQ6uxT_OfHSfudV034BH0eglpKLQ38l6zEXuhkWdOO6paC76_rvQOqsm1J-PsKux3YH10FpqmmJNMHKBfnOtwsaEmOzhQ3eVZHaZtcq8kNrfDyJYIPpWmWlXGejwKzZ1HFhpQnqv2zR/s1600/the+romance.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="96" data-original-width="366" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1vdQ6uxT_OfHSfudV034BH0eglpKLQ38l6zEXuhkWdOO6paC76_rvQOqsm1J-PsKux3YH10FpqmmJNMHKBfnOtwsaEmOzhQ3eVZHaZtcq8kNrfDyJYIPpWmWlXGejwKzZ1HFhpQnqv2zR/s320/the+romance.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The romance is a minor plot in Grace & Fury, as the main focus is on Serina and Nomi trying to overcome the heavy oppression women experience. What romance there was was sweet and supportive. The romances were filled with chemistry and I feel like the couples suited each other well. Serina's relationship was more gentle and sweet, whereas Nomi's was electrical and simmering.</div>
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Grace & Fury reminds me of a mixture between The Belles, The Hunger Games...and real life. I believe it's the latter that makes this such a profound read. In Virida, the Superior rules the country. Each year he then takes three Graces to live with and serve him in his palace. This year it's his son's turn. Graces are trained to be the epitome of beauty, subservience, and submission. To Serina this sounds like a chance for a better life, to Nomi it sounds like a gemstone prison. Women aren't allowed to read, learn, receive their own payment, nor choose their future. In many countries, this is still the case. Grace & Fury is a feminist book but it's one that highlights the need for equality. It's not about hating men or acquiring dominance over them like some aspects of the radical feminist movement promotes. It's about equal opportunities. I absolutely loved how the author used a fantasy setting to explore this topic with sensitivity. </div>
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Mount Ruin was a terrible, horrific place. Women were pitted against women, a fight to the death for food - as well as entertainment to the guards. It was horrific and brutal. There was no knowing whether or not a character would be safe, and because of the way the author wrote all the characters, it was especially hard-hitting and emotional. There was constant suspense and heart-stopping action, especially towards the end. I was on the edge-of-my-seat and almost biting my nails at various points. I was shocked by the senseless violence the women of Virida had to face. I was deeply shocked by the deaths and events that occurred. Delivered by the author's vivid, intense writing, it makes Grace & Fury an emotional, profound read.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpL65olzpX2cZf7NQob2_nqNDyimr2NH_9QMs-j78ZbQqRLzRefsIK13C44Bplr9AOL9k2Hzk_2h_jL-4HpNiPee8-dfve9cLYYqUXB6nvB9aWp2JGkpudm2HySVJotJjL246mGW_4rV1n/s1600/IRZI3316.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpL65olzpX2cZf7NQob2_nqNDyimr2NH_9QMs-j78ZbQqRLzRefsIK13C44Bplr9AOL9k2Hzk_2h_jL-4HpNiPee8-dfve9cLYYqUXB6nvB9aWp2JGkpudm2HySVJotJjL246mGW_4rV1n/s1600/IRZI3316.PNG" /></a>Grace & Fury is a heart-pounding debut that was brutal, gripping, and uncomfortably real. The characters were courageous, determined and fiercely brave. They are characters that will inspire readers to have courage in the face of trials and question what they've been taught if it's harmful to members of society. The writing was compelling, the romance was beautiful, and the plot was devastating. I highly recommend this powerful read.</div>
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I give it: <b>5/5 cupcakes</b></div>
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Kyrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08208972644763001755noreply@blogger.com